The Upside and Downside of Freedom:
The trouble with freedom is well, it brings trouble. We are free all day to make choices whether good or bad. Our decisions bring harm or happiness to others. We live in a nation prized by its freedoms. The Prodigal Son was given the freedom to depart with all he was given, his inheritance, and leave for what he thought was what he wanted. That was freedom. The father could of said no but didn't. God could of said no to our demands for freedom but being thick and hard headed we often have to learn the hard way – at least I do. Must be that determined German in me. But then when the shoe drops and freedom leaves us naked in our fears we fear the wrath of God. We fear having to deal with our failures and the disappointment of God. But as a loving parent embraces their children even in their greatest of sins and offers forgiveness so God grants grace and abundant forgiveness. The upside then of freedom is that we are given the ability to shape decisions based on knowledge and reason, faith and practice. God loves us so much that even in our sinful nature we are given the task of making decision. The down side comes when we have to live with the impacts of our decisions. The problems that come when we have failed ourselves, others, and God. Perhaps Mel Brooks offers some understanding in this – as we look at our humanness and its effect on others, our relationships with God, and our ability to live out our faith daily.
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