Learning To Be Free

Recently I heard an interview about the effects of the Berlin Wall on the German people.  A former East German was interviewed about the Berlin Wall.  Though he was “pro-freedom,” he said some provocative things.  For example, he said that a person has to learn to be free.  The person who has been freed does not instantly know how to act simply because external circumstances have changed.  More is involved than a yearning for freedom.  Being free does not mean being irresponsible.

Explaining learning how to be free, these things were cited: (1) Learning to be a person (rather than an object without rights); (2) learning to think for yourself rather than being told what to think; and (3) learning to accept responsibility for one’s self.  The interview concluded with this: It will take at least three generations to erase the effects of being a people divided by living free and living without freedom.

Paul wrote, For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13, NASB).  He wrote to Christians who had not learned the meaning of spiritual freedom.  That was no small task for those who had lived under Judaism or idolatry’s demands!

Being baptized into Christ because one believed in Jesus and repented for rebellion against God did not mean (1) they knew how to be a new person, (2) knew how to think, or (3) knew how to accept responsibility.   With baptism into Christ, the learning begins.  What is the meaning of spiritual freedom?

Fort Smith, AR
September 26, 2011

 

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