The challenge that is already with us is the temptation to accept as true freedom what in reality is only a new form of slavery. ~Pope John Paul II
Freedom! We all cherish it, want it, fight for it...but what is freedom really? Some feel it's whatever they want to do. Some feel it's the rights we enjoy that others don't get to. And there are some that are indifferent, take for granted their freedoms. Freedom is, in fact, a tricky thing. It must be recognized for what it really is, for the courage to be truly free is very rare.
On a basic level, Americans enjoy many freedoms compared to many across the globe. How wonderful it would be for every person to live one real day in the life of an oppressed, victimized human being. Most of us live in a cocoon, not realizing the immense suffering that occurs each and every day. It's disheartening to witness how little it takes to upset somebody these days. The lack of character in our society is truly shocking.
I witnessed someone eat a chip that had been "dipped" into a can full of cigarette ashes because he really needed a cigarette. All his friends were laughing at him and one even had to video the incident. Well, I guess he's free to humiliate himself, but I don't find that a particularly admirable form of freedom.
Everyone, wants to be free to do whatever they want, stating they aren't hurting anyone. But, if you are one of those people, you are truly ignorant. Everything we do has an effect on others around us...everything.
Hey, if you're drinking and decide to drive home under the influence, you run a high risk of not only hurting yourself, but also an innocent random person who comes across your path. If you just want to smoke (whatever) in public, you don't think you are impacting others? Where do you think your product's smoke or what you exhale goes, up into thin air? Or freedom of speech in public...do you think others (families with children or even people who find cussing offensive) should be subjected to your profanity? And what if you're an atheist, should you be subjected to listening to a group of people in line at the movies theater condemning all those who don't believe in God?
Freedom is really a tricky thing. What most view as freedom, is in fact slavery. Are you truly free when you worry so much about what others think of you? What about when you're performing ridiculing acts to get what you want? How about when you are compelled to do something because you NEED to...you crave the item or act? Are you really free?
True freedom frees you from needing or wanting anything. Since we are human begins with needs and wants, we can never be truly free. The best we can hope for is freedom exercised with a touch of responsibility. If everyone were to exercise their freedom in this way, we, as a society would be much better off.
So, to get back to my opening quote, Pope John Paul II is merely stating that when we give in fully to our desires because we can, they will eventually control us. And the very thing (freedom) we hold dear slips right through our fingers.
To my spiritual friends, the truth shall truly set you free...free from the desire of temporal things in life that will surely pass and have no value in the long run...free from despair when you witness ungodly gain in this world...this gain is an immediate reward that is so temporary - never fulfilling - always needing to be fed and a pitiful substitute for the true reward of Christ's sacrifice.
It's not easy; it's a constant struggle to keep this message in our hearts. I have slipped many times, become indifferent...but the funny this is, God keeps me in his heart...He won't let me go...He knows my heart, even though my body and mind are weak...even though I try to avoid Him in shame, He never leaves me...He's always there...I can feel His presence always...waiting patiently, lovingly, which sometimes makes it all the more difficult for me to face Him...and that is the key.
He has left others to help...that's what community and church are for...to strengthen and fight the temptation and lies that the Devil uses to keep us in his snare. We, as humans, need each other and cannot love God fully on our own...He set up his church on earth based on this fact...that we need each other.
There's a lot of disrespect for organized religion, but that is another subject to tackle at another time...for now, just realize we need the acceptance, love, and strength from others in order to remain strong and healthy...it's a fact of life, secular or religious.
Seek true freedom!
Freedom! We all cherish it, want it, fight for it...but what is freedom really? Some feel it's whatever they want to do. Some feel it's the rights we enjoy that others don't get to. And there are some that are indifferent, take for granted their freedoms. Freedom is, in fact, a tricky thing. It must be recognized for what it really is, for the courage to be truly free is very rare.
On a basic level, Americans enjoy many freedoms compared to many across the globe. How wonderful it would be for every person to live one real day in the life of an oppressed, victimized human being. Most of us live in a cocoon, not realizing the immense suffering that occurs each and every day. It's disheartening to witness how little it takes to upset somebody these days. The lack of character in our society is truly shocking.
I witnessed someone eat a chip that had been "dipped" into a can full of cigarette ashes because he really needed a cigarette. All his friends were laughing at him and one even had to video the incident. Well, I guess he's free to humiliate himself, but I don't find that a particularly admirable form of freedom.
Everyone, wants to be free to do whatever they want, stating they aren't hurting anyone. But, if you are one of those people, you are truly ignorant. Everything we do has an effect on others around us...everything.
Hey, if you're drinking and decide to drive home under the influence, you run a high risk of not only hurting yourself, but also an innocent random person who comes across your path. If you just want to smoke (whatever) in public, you don't think you are impacting others? Where do you think your product's smoke or what you exhale goes, up into thin air? Or freedom of speech in public...do you think others (families with children or even people who find cussing offensive) should be subjected to your profanity? And what if you're an atheist, should you be subjected to listening to a group of people in line at the movies theater condemning all those who don't believe in God?
Freedom is really a tricky thing. What most view as freedom, is in fact slavery. Are you truly free when you worry so much about what others think of you? What about when you're performing ridiculing acts to get what you want? How about when you are compelled to do something because you NEED to...you crave the item or act? Are you really free?
True freedom frees you from needing or wanting anything. Since we are human begins with needs and wants, we can never be truly free. The best we can hope for is freedom exercised with a touch of responsibility. If everyone were to exercise their freedom in this way, we, as a society would be much better off.
So, to get back to my opening quote, Pope John Paul II is merely stating that when we give in fully to our desires because we can, they will eventually control us. And the very thing (freedom) we hold dear slips right through our fingers.
To my spiritual friends, the truth shall truly set you free...free from the desire of temporal things in life that will surely pass and have no value in the long run...free from despair when you witness ungodly gain in this world...this gain is an immediate reward that is so temporary - never fulfilling - always needing to be fed and a pitiful substitute for the true reward of Christ's sacrifice.
It's not easy; it's a constant struggle to keep this message in our hearts. I have slipped many times, become indifferent...but the funny this is, God keeps me in his heart...He won't let me go...He knows my heart, even though my body and mind are weak...even though I try to avoid Him in shame, He never leaves me...He's always there...I can feel His presence always...waiting patiently, lovingly, which sometimes makes it all the more difficult for me to face Him...and that is the key.
He has left others to help...that's what community and church are for...to strengthen and fight the temptation and lies that the Devil uses to keep us in his snare. We, as humans, need each other and cannot love God fully on our own...He set up his church on earth based on this fact...that we need each other.
There's a lot of disrespect for organized religion, but that is another subject to tackle at another time...for now, just realize we need the acceptance, love, and strength from others in order to remain strong and healthy...it's a fact of life, secular or religious.
Seek true freedom!
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