Christian Freedom and Responsibility

Freedom is the source of dignity of the human person. It is one of the few qualities we share with God. Without freedom we will not be different from animals or trees.

Freedom is the source of alternatives and options. Without freedom there will be no reason to bring different options to the table. Only those who are free can choose.

Freedom is the source of reward and punishment. It is because we are free that our actions can be praised and reward or blamed and punished. Without freedom our actions will lack either merit or demerit.

Freedom is our second nature. Freedom is embedded in our being. So much so that we are not free not to be free. It is almost impossible to decide not to be free. The decision not to be free is itself free.

In life we face many choices. Some choices are opposites- light and darkness, life and death, good and evil, heaven and hell. We are free to choose any of the two. We are not free not to choose any of the two. To choose not to choose is already a choice.

With reference to fundamental options like God or eternal destiny, we can not remain neutral. We have to make a choice. This is one of the reasons many people dread their own freedom. Because they know they have to take eternal responsibility for the use or abuse of their freedom.

Freedom is a gift of God- a gratuitous and unmerited gift. Freedom as a gift evokes responsibility and a sense of duty.

In order to choose wisely we need two things. First, we need the truth to illuminate and guide our choices. You will know the truth, the truth will set you free ( Jn 8:32). Second, we need the grace of God to nugde us to choose correctly. Without the grace of God, freedom is often abused.