REAL FREEDOM

Since we’re on this freedom bit today (in the United States), it’s a good reason to consider the notion of ultimate freedom. The historical Jesus once had a hard time convincing some people in an audience that they were slaves to their own vices. These same people got into this exchange with Jesus and hurled insults on par with “yo momma” cracks. They called him a son of fornication (love child), a demon possessed lunatic and then attempted to stone him to death. And the irony is that he was just trying to say that while the truth is specific and beyond our pay grade, we all have a way into it. But ain’t nothing worse than trying to save a person “who don’t need no savin’.”

Truth and freedom make a tandem, package deal, the ultimate buy one-get one. The truth is a grounding element and freedom accompanies it because perspective is what gives meaning to where you are today and where you will be in a year. Goals, plans and destiny all hinge on an understanding and acceptance of truth. Truth is non-negotiable and that “truth”  about truth is why on this July 4th we do well to revisit the fact that freedom comes from discipline. And while the temptation remains on a daily basis to set out on the path of least resistance, the truth is that we must contend for an inner pronation toward what sometimes may seem like rigid guard rails.

This is the day where patriots remind us of the cost of freedom. Violence has preceded every freedom we enjoy. And the freedom to live a righteous life is just that…a privilege.  It’s neither a  straight jacket nor a pair of hand cuffs. We have become experts at defending our right to be wrong, our prerogative to live wanton, hedonistic lives. Freedom is not found in doing whatever the heck we want. Your nemesis would have you believe just the opposite. But let today remind you to stand up for your own emancipation from yourself. Blame yourself for something, submit to truth, purify your motives and get on with life the way it was intended. Today could be the day you become a slave to God’s truth unlocking the door to a freedom you didn’t know existed.