The Impact of Freedom and Responsibility in Christ

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

It would be an understatement to say I am appalled by what I’m witnessing happening in America. Several years ago, I wrote several blog posts about a few observations. These observations peaked my spirit. What Is Happening To America?, What Is Happening To America? (Pt. 2). When I look back at those posts, I continue to see the similarities. They are taking place in Habakkuk’s day and our time.

God has a divine perspective on where this nation stands. America can no longer ignore glaring issues on race, inequality, poverty, immigration, homelessness, abortion etc. and consider itself a great nation. To fulfill its commitment to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, it must truly set up justice in the land. It should guarantee domestic tranquility and supply for the common defense. The nation must promote the general welfare of all its citizens. It should also secure the blessings of liberty and justice for all as promised. Just saying something without taking the necessary steps collectively will not make this nation great.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

The concept of freedom has been heavy on my mind and heart, as I notice the current cultural climate. Americans seem to be uniquely obsessed with “freedom. You can see it in our politics. You can hear it in our daily discourse. But we’re also, amazingly, a country full of fortunate people who are constantly grumbling about their lack of freedom.

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14

In the midst of a global pandemic, many people are demanding their constitutional rights to life and liberty. They claim the freedom to go without wearing a mask or not getting vaccinated. Recently, a journalist spoke on the Bill Maher show and said “life need to return to normal and restrictions end.¹” I find this to be a little shortsighted and selfish. We can’t dismiss the truth. There have been 70, 206,220 cases in the last 30 days due to Covid-19 outbreak. Additionally, there have been 862, 494 deaths. Thousands of these were preventable.² Families are grieving and striving to live as best they can in the midst of a global pandemic. To return to ‘normal‘ mean the deaths of more people – men, women and children.

The nation is still undergoing efforts to curtail the pandemic. While I understand the wish to return to normal life without restrictions, people are still getting sick. Others are dying daily. Many people are refusing to mask-up or get vaccinated or take the jab as it’s called by some. Many hospital ICU’s are filled to capacity as the omicron wave is stressing the hospitals resources and staff. Covid cases in US nursing homes are rising rapidly. While no one likes being locked down, including me, I believe in doing the right thing. It is important for the well-being of others as well as for myself.

I’m reminded of the story of Deborah the prophetess and judge. She was a woman of great wisdom, revelation, and discernment in the Old Testament. She was a woman of faith. She flowed in the prophetic realm and gained divine insight. She solved disputes and heard from God what to do and how to do it. In those days, life in the villages had ceased. Then, Deborah arose as a mother of Israel (Judges 5:5-7) with divine wisdom on what to do. The activity of the Spirit of the Lord is vividly shown in the book of Judges. It is clearly portrayed in the leadership of the period.

There is an amazing and refreshing journey of freedom for those who know Jesus Christ as Lord. – Crystal McDowell

I understand that after two years we are all desiring to return to what we consider to be normal life. I also understand that as a Christian my freedom should never supersede my concern for the welfare of others. The gospel of Jesus, as it pertains to life, is a story of freedom. A freedom constrained or compelled by the Cross and deeply at odds with individualistic notions of liberty. Christ died to set people free from the law of sin and death. That freedom was never meant to be an occasion to do what we please. We were called to freedom, but to use that freedom to serve one another in love. That freedom should never be an opportunity for the sinful nature. Avoid worldliness and selfishness. Through love, serve and seek the best for one another (Gal 5:13).

Apostle Paul makes several profound statements in 1 Corinthians 10:23 about freedom. He says, ”All things are permitted, but not all things are useful. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up”. The Amplified Classic Edition (AMPC) translates it this way. ”All things are legitimate [permissible—and we are free to do anything we please]. Yet, not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].” Verse 24 goes on to say, ”Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit. Instead, let each one seek the welfare of his neighbor.”

I encourage you not to listen to talking heads on social media and TV. They have an influence on people or situations intended to affect what people do or what happens. These talking heads spew misinformation and disinformation based upon how they feel. On social media they are called influencers for a reason. Proverbs 22 provides a wealth of wisdom on how to shield yourself from negative influences that are permeating our society:

“A prudent person sees evil and hides himself, But the naive continue, and pay the penalty” (v. 3)

“Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; One who guards himself will be far from them.” (v. 5).

“Listen to the words of the wise. Apply your mind to my knowledge. It will be pleasant if you keep them within you. They may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord,” (vs. 17-19a).

“Do not make friends with a person given to anger, Or go with a hot-tempered person, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself” (s. 24-25)

In these trying times it important to listen to wisdom to protect yourself and your family. No one wants to wear a mask or get vaccinated. Yet, if doing so will prevent harm to me, my family, or others, then I am willing to do it. I am personally committed to taking these precautions. Whether you choose to wear a mask or get vaccinated

Satan is a deceiver. Scripture says he is the deceiver of the whole world (Rev. 12:9). Although, government plays an important role is establishing a just society, government is limited. A just society also requires that individuals and groups within society act justly. The Lord requires that His people do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8),

In this time of great shaking and chaos (Heb. 12:26-29), I implore you to return to the Lord. Isaiah 30:15 says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” God’s promises and purposes will carry out His plan of redemption. It will be brought to completion by His sovereign power. Nothing can thwart it.

May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

The community of God’s people who are striving to remain faithful to the whole counsel of God’s Word will be prophetic voices crying out in the wilderness of the dominant culture of our day.
Prophets in the Pews: Testing Walter Brueggemann’s Thesis in The Prophetic Imagination in the Practice of Ministry.

The Lord’s blessing be with you. He will lay a firm foundation of the testimony of Jesus in your life!

Minister A. Francine Green

Note: All Scriptures are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.