EXERCISING FREEDOM

Freedom is one of the basic tenets of being an American. We believe freedom is a basic human right and privilege. Our Declaration of Independence speaks of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." But exactly what is "freedom?" And is "Liberty" the same?

Driving back recently from Minnesota through Nebraska, I saw a large billboard in the middle of a farmyard that gave me a chuckle. It said, 

EAT STEAK

WEAR FURS

KEEP YOUR GUN

SALUTE THE FLAG

In ten words the owner of that farmstead is telling people what he believes a free person should be able to do. Instead of bowing to political correctness, he wanted to make clear that freedom means being able to do those things.

"Freedom" and "Liberty" are not quite the same. Liberty is what a government grants its people for their personal pursuits. Freedom is one's individual ability to believe or think whatever one chooses.

Freedom is our right to make choices given to us by birth. It is a basic human right that cannot be taken away even by a totalitarian government, though they may try. Liberty is a governmental structure that allows us expression of freedom. 

Example: A serf toiling a thousand years ago in Europe had very little liberty. He was a vassal of his overlord. He couldn’t vote and had no true freedom of speech or assembly. But he did have freedom to think his own thoughts and to make his choices, whether they got him into trouble or not. That freedom could not be taken away.

Paul often wrote from prison about his freedom in Christ. He said freedom carried the responsibility of not bringing harm to others. He also said freedom to do something didn't automatically give us the right to do it. 

While we do have freedom to eat steak, wear furs or keep our guns, we must always make sure we exercise our freedom for a good purpose, and avoid bringing harm to others. Saluting the flag is a sign of respect and is always good. Jesus said "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) 

Would you agree with the farmer's billboard? Why or why not?