Freedom

My first thoughts on this Independence Day morning may seem odd to some. I’m not thinking of fireworks, barbecues, founding documents, or war. For some reason I’m pondering the “new” definition of freedom in America.

Christians often bemoan the fact that we no longer live in a God-fearing nation. This is not a new concept, but today has brought a small, thin stream of light to shine on it for me: we have lost the pursuit of the ideal.

I am one of those people who has at times been guilty of idealizing the past, on a number of levels. “If only we could go back to those days, things would be better.” Better socially, politically, religiously, morally. The people of this country used to hold up the ideal and strive for it everyday. Even knowing that they could not attain it, they still strove, because they knew that while they might never attain perfection in this life, it was waiting for them in the next, and they knew they should be preparing for it:

“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:12

“I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

This is what we have lost. Today, most people no longer see the point in attempting to obtain the “unobtainable”. The focus has become on what is “realistic”, the best that can be expected, only doing what I can do. If perfection is unobtainable, why even bother? I’m free to decide what morality means to me! Freedom gives me the right to do exactly as I please, or to not do what I don’t! This is the new definition of freedom.

Sadly, I partially blame Christianity, particularly theology that preaches “once saved, always saved”, say a prayer once and you’ll go to heaven. This gives rise to wanton licentiousness. Not to mention it completely contradicts Jesus’ words that narrow is the gate and few are those who enter through it! This is, I am sad to say, an enormous contributing factor to the trending of the “new” freedom.

We have forgotten the words of St. Peter, that great mystery that many today do not understand, and even less fail to live: “As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.”

We are free, yet we remain servants. This is the true definition of freedom. It has been lost to many, but we must keep it alive in our hearts and bear witness to its truth in our own lives. That is how we will turn the country around: one faithful life at a time. True freedom is worth striving for. I hope and pray that many on this day still believe that as I do.