PENTECOST IV

July 3, 2022

“Freedoms . . . and Responsibilities”     

For freedom Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.     For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.  For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”Galatians 5:1, 13-14      

As Independence Day is upon us, all things relating to rights, citizenship, opportunities and freedoms of every kind are the focus of newscasts, editorials, and feature articles in almost all news sources.  The overarching theme of the holiday celebrates the unique nature of our country’s form of government, and the sacrifices made by so many over the 246 years of the existence of the United States. of America  There are as many opinions about how our government should or should not be functioning as there are people expressing opinions.  Some seem well thought out and sensible, while others seem illogical and even self-contradictory when examined closely.  Of course, one’s own viewpoint is often the measuring stick by which the opinions of others are considered reasonable or unreasonable.     

There are numerous references to freedom and being free throughout the Bible, and in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he explains how Christian freedom means much more than personal liberty.  As believers, we are not only freed from the slavery of the law, but we are freed for bringing Christ’s love to our neighbors.  We are not required to relate to others in service, but we are free to do so as we reflect God’s love and Jesus’ example in loving our neighbor as ourselves.      

Hand in hand with the empowerment of freedom comes responsibility.  We’ve heard it expressed in numerous ways, such as “To those whom much is given, much is required” and, of course, “Freedom isn’t free.”  It’s not uncommon to feel put upon or resentful at being the one who ends up carrying the bulk of the responsibilities, whether in your family, workplace, or community.        

But let’s take a moment and consider the alternative; in other words, what it would be like to have neither freedoms nor responsibilities.  The ancient laws of the Hebrew people were demanding and complicated, and, in many ways, were a barrier between the people and God.  And then Christ came into the world, bringing a message of love and forgiveness for all, freeing them from the bondage of the law, and enabling them to love and care for one another.      

As Christians, we are blessed to have been given the gift of spiritual freedom, and the understanding that God’s love will shine through in what we do for others.  And then it’s clear  that responsibility is actually a gift, and our actions speak loudly and clearly that we are followers of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, living according to his teachings for the good of all humanity. 

Grateful for the freedom so generously given,

Your friend in Christ,   

Mary Rogers