On our 250th anniversary we celebrate freedom. We threw off the tyranny of the King of England to make us a free nation to determine our own way. Freedom from foreign domination is the foundation of liberty.
At the federal prison where I worked, some wealthy criminals boasted of their lifestyle before incarceration. They bragged about being free of paying taxes, of working at a regular job, and from moral restraints to live the party life. They boasted of a self-centered and pleasure-seeking life where they did what they pleased. Their concept of liberty was to escape from moral duties and honesty.
Freedom can be misused as an excuse to steal, lie and cheat others. Their temporary wealth made for a life empty of meaning. They enjoyed their lavish
and lazy life and only regretted getting caught. They mocked honest, hard-working staff members as being dumb and stupid. They forgot that we can never be free from consequences.
The foundation of positive and purposeful liberty is found in submission to moral reality and practicing respect and honesty as more valuable than dishonest wealth.
Jesus offers real personal liberty for us to experience. In John 8:31-32 Jesus says, “if you abide in my word then you are truly disciples of Mine, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” This is not an invitation to be religious. It is a summons to practice the ways of Jesus in our relationships with others and with material wealth.
When we do his way of forgiveness we are freed from becoming bitter and vengeful. Jesus teaches to let go of getting even. By doing his way of generosity to the needy then we find freedom from greed, which never gets enough to satisfy. He teaches the sacredness of all people to free us from using them as objects for our self-centered desires. True freedom is the self-awareness of intentional choices to be a person of moral duty, respect and kindness. The need to practice self-control of selfish ambition and to learn generosity and not take advantage is the truth which sets us free. Jesus teaches to give up hate of others of a different color, political party, or who speak a different language. And giving up hatred of people who have hurt us frees you from the burden of being a reactive person living in the past. Jesus commands us to give kindness and mercy to everyone.
Doing the truth brings freedom. The truth of Jesus is a way of life. His truth does set a person free when practiced. This is an ongoing choice when tempted to yield to the control of greed, lust and revenge. There are lies about freedom that men die by but the truth Jesus teaches brings life. Freedom is not found in living a self-centered life. Following Jesus in submission to his moral laws shows us the kind of freedom that brings wisdom and contentment.
Cliff Rawley lives in Springfield.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Finding real freedom through moral choices | Opinion
