CHRISTIAN AND FREEDOM – “RESPONSIBILITY”

Freedom is meaningless if it is not balanced by responsibility. If there is no responsibility attached to our freedom, then, freedom will no longer be freedom, but we are back in bondage and slavery, which will begin with anarchy in its purest evil form. The signs of such an anarchy are now visible all over the world, more pronounced in the western civilisation. Everything is crumbling, and fascistic tendencies are visible more and more. For example, one doesn’t have the right to a dissenting view anymore, in an era where freedom, and the freedom of speech are paraded, as paramount to a free and civilised society. What a paradox, and what a tragedy? All this is unfolding, right in front of our eyes.

As Christians, we have to guard against going back into slavery and bondage. We have to be vigilant, and weed out any such tendencies, that might creep in. That is why Paul calls out to the Galatian Christians to be careful of their freedom and their liberty, which can be lost to slavery and bondage – “13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” – Galatians 5:13-15

When we use our freedom and liberty selfishly on ourselves, and on pursuing a path to please ourselves, it will destroy us completely. We will be back to where we have come from. The responsibility, as part of our personal freedom and liberty is, to love others unconditionally and unselfishly. This will guard us from going back to slavery and bondage, and save us from anarchy, which will destroy is, and all that is around us. When we follow this principle of love, as the Bible talks about, it will bring out the best from the freedom and liberty we enjoy. The same applies to the whole world, and all aspects of human life.