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Exploring Freedom - Day 1
Freedom is the
prevailing cry of the world today, the overwhelming preoccupation of
individuals and nations. Yet even though Scripture speaks of a libery
that Christ offers (Galations 5:1-12), some people resist Christianity as itself an obstacle to freedom. Is this view of the faith justified?
On the face of it, it seems strange to identify Christianity as an enemy of freedom. After all, Christians have historically stood up for the poor, the oppressed, the captive, and the underprivileged. Likewise, liberation from ignorance, disease, and political oppression have invariably resulted whenever Christian faith and principles have been adopted. Why, then, would some view the faith as repressive?
Perhaps part of the answer lies in the problem of legalism. Whenever Christianity is made into a list of dos and don'ts, it becomes intolerant and restrictive. Instead of enjoying an intimate relationship with a loving God, the legalist is obsessed with rules and regulations, as if God were a celestial Policeman just waiting to catchs us out of line.
To be sure, Christ does make demands on us that sometimes limit our autonomy. But true Christianity sees this as part of a relationship based on love and grace, not unlike a healthy marriage in which both partners sometimes sacrifice their own desires in order to serve the other.
More on Exploring Freedom in tomorrow's meditation.
From "10 Myths About Christianity: Christianity Stifles Personal Freedom" in The Word In Life Study Bible-NKJ : Discover the Truths of God's Word for You and Your World
