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A Note from the Preacher…Larry Sweeney
Genuine Freedom
We are a blessed people! We live in the United States of America and the words “freedom,” “liberty,” “rights,” and “human rights” are like music to our ears. We hold dear our freedoms and look upon with sadness at the struggle of so many in other countries that do not have the freedoms we cherish. However, it is also sad to note (especially as we consider those who are now fighting for freedom) that some who possess this freedom have abused it, perverted it, and misapplied it. The examples are too evident to miss:
1. Freedom has been used to justify “living together” before marriage. The result: People who cohabit before marriage have a 46 percent higher failure rate in marriage than those who do not cohabit. Will we ever learn that freedom without boundaries is destructive?
2. Freedom has been used by homosexuals and adulterers to justify their sinful behavior. As a result, homosexuals enslave themselves and others with AIDS, and adulterers destroy the freedom of their spouse and children. All of this is acceptable, of course, in the name of freedom.
3. Freedom has justified abortion. The woman is “free” to commit fornication and to destroy the life within her. But, what about the freedom of the life within her?
4. Unbelievers insist on their “freedom from religion,” but at the same time deny “freedom of religion” to those of us who are God-fearing and Bible-believing. In the name of freedom, there are those who believe we should not say “under God” in the pledge to the flag or have “IN GOD WE TRUST” on our currency. However, movies, TV, and various forms of music have filled our eyes and ears with vulgarity, hatred, and degradation, which is not only tolerated, but is considered mainstream.* In the name of freedom, we are being poisoned.
Thus, the freedom being espoused by so many today is really not freedom at all. It is actually a form of bondage to everything that is ungodly and self-serving: indecency, hatred, immorality, and violence. Thus, we are still left to search for that freedom that is truly liberating and releases us to fulfill our real purpose in life. This kind of freedom is only found in Jesus. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The only genuine freedom is that which is based on God's truth, which has the power to deliver us from the guilt of sin and can release us, not to serve ourselves in lust, but to exalt God and each other in goodness, kindness, and righteousness. This is the freedom we must cherish above all.
*An illustration of vile music is “gangsta rap” with individuals like Ludacris and Eminem providing new meaning to degradation. Yet, to millions of people, Eminem is considered mainstream. Here is a line from one of Eminem's songs: (remember he is an idol to millions)
“Ripped this old lady, hung her neck by a hook
Didn't know it was my grandmother 'til I checked her pocketbook”