When we talk about freedom being the ability to choose to do good and avoid evil – to choose to obey God rather than doing whatever we feel like, some wise people have linked responsibility to real freedom.
People at the Sea of Galilee in Israel. True freedom means finding “happiness, satisfaction and freedom” in your responsibilities to your family. PICTURE: Adam Sherez/Unsplash.
We all have responsibilities. As a father I must look after my children. As a husband I am obliged to care for my wife. As a son I am responsible for my aged parents.
Fake freedom says, “run away from responsibility! It will tie you down and stop you being free and happy”.
True freedom says, “in your responsibilities you find true happiness, satisfaction and freedom, for we were created for relationships and family”.
I realise responsibilities are not easy, some downright difficult. Yet as community beings we only find transcendence together.
And ultimately, real freedom can only come when we live in our Father’s house.
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
