Written By Lesallan October 8, 2023
What does it mean to be free? Some might think freedom is the absence of constraints, obligations, or duties. They might imagine that a free person can do whatever they want, whenever they want, without any interference from others. Nevertheless, is this freedom, or is it just a form of escapism?
I am a single guy who studies God and has no responsibilities. I do not have a family, a job, or a social life. I spend most of my time reading books, listening to podcasts, and watching videos about theology, philosophy, and spirituality. I do not owe anything to anyone, and no one owes anything to me. I am free to pursue my interests and passions without any regard for the opinions or expectations of others.
Nevertheless, am I free? Or am I just hiding from the reality of life? What can a man take from me? Nothing, perhaps, in terms of material possessions or worldly achievements. But what about my soul? What about my purpose? What about my relationships? What about my growth?
I have realized that freedom is not the absence of responsibilities but their acceptance. Freedom is not the avoidance of challenges, but the embrace of them. Freedom is not the isolation from others, but the connection with them. Freedom is not the pursuit of self-interest but the service of others.
When I study God, I learn He is not a distant and detached being who created the world and left it alone. He is a personal and loving God intimately involved in every aspect of His creation. He is a God who cares for me, knows me, and loves me. He is a God who has a plan for me, a purpose for me, and a calling for me.
When I study God, I also learn that He is not a tyrant who imposes His will on me and restricts my freedom. He is a father who invites me to join Him in His work and grants me freedom. He is a father who gives me responsibilities, not to burden me, but to bless me. He is a father who challenges me not to harm but to help me. He is a father who connects me with others, not to limit but to enrich me.
When I study God, I discover that true freedom is not found in doing what I want, but in doing what He wants. True freedom is not found in living for myself but in Him. True freedom is not found in being alone but in being with Him and His people.
So what can a man take from me? Nothing that matters. Nothing that lasts. Nothing that satisfies. Because everything that matters, everything that lasts, everything that satisfies, comes from God. Furthermore, no one can take God from me.
Lesallan
