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Saturday Sermon: Avoid abuse of freedom

  • Originally published June 11, 2010 at midnight, updated June 11, 2010 at midnight

By Mike Singenstreu

We all want the freedom to live our own lives and make our own choices. But this type of freedom sometimes leads to license, where individuals do what is "right in their own eyes," hurting others and themselves. So how can we affirm genuine freedom, but avoid its abuse?

This is an important practical question to ask. The world illustrates the problem pretty clearly. In of the world, many countries have excessive authority. In the West, we have freedom. Freedom to question, to protest, and to vote people we disagree with out of government. But for some, this freedom has become license. The Apostle Paul saw this danger and warned us: "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Gal. 5:13 ESV)

The problem with abuse of freedom exists simply because we want our way, so we take license. Taking license knows no bounds and refuses to submit to any structure. Its only constraints are "I think" and "I want." In contrast, the Scriptures offer us freedom with in the framework of what really is true. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

The Bible clearly sets down the basic teaching which Christians ought to believe and live. It plainly describes how righteousness and love ought to characterize our lives. It leaves little doubt; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt. 22:37-40) It speaks so clearly that a child can understand.

Since we all want freedom to mean that we can live our own lives the way we want, the Bible stands in contrast, and we are frustrated and confused. We know what is right and wrong. The Bible tells us that God has written on our hearts these truths and when we choose to "do our own thing" we reject the truth. We reject what we know to be true and set up a dilemma within us that disappears when we do as God prescribes. True freedom is found within structure . that is, God's structure.

The reason for this is plain. When we know what to do, we are free to do it. When we don't know what to do, we are bound by too many choices. A child that has not been told what to do will do something . anything. But the likelihood is that unless they have been instructed in the right thing they will not "accidentally" figure it out on their own.

So we want to be free? Then we need to understand that our freedom is really freedom from ourselves; our wants and desires. True freedom is living in, by, and through God's grace as we live the way He has told us to live.

Mike Singenstreu is pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church.