Freedom, Really!?

While I am a bit young to actually be considered a Hippie, (no,really it's true) I grew up with 3 older sibilings who were deeply rooted in the philosophy, culture, and shall we say habits of Hippie-dom (I just made that word up). I remember the ongoing discussions around our dinner table between my siblings and my parents. The theme always centered around the desire for, the perceived right to, and virtually anything else related to the concept of freedom - especially personal freedoms. I often wonder if any of us realize how freeing it actually was to have parents who let us discuss and debate freedom? (Hey Jean, Jo and Keith, we all had it pretty good didn't we!?)



FREEDOM- the Founding Father's fought with pen and sword for it, classroom professors have championed it, a generation dreamed of it, but what exactly is freedom? It seems that throughout most of history the ideal of freedom has related almost exclusively to the individualistic persuit of being free - freedom to do what we wanted, be who we wanted to be, live as we wanted to live, have what we wanted to have. If I'm right, it seems that this definition of freedom is really selfish. We use a lot of first person personal pronouns when we talk about freedom.


If any generation should be enjoying the fruits of our labors for freedom it should be ours. After all, we now live in country where anyone can vote. We can marry or enter a civil union with whomever we want, live with whomever we want, and we have the financial freedom to pretty much get into as much debt as multiple generations before us. But it is interesting to note that inspite of our pursuit of personal freedoms, we are the generation that seems the most - well sad. We have all the toys, credentials, opportunities and pleasures one could imagine. Yet, we are unhappy to our core. Broken relationships follow in our wake. We've graduated from pot and qualudes to Pristiq, Niaspan, and Viagra - still looking for the ever elusive moment of happiness emotionally, physically and sexually.

Is this all there is after a 50 year experiment searching for freedom? I hope not! In fact, I'm sure that there is more. My heart tells me there is more, the sunset in the evening tells me there is more, the Blue birds that my wife dotes over sing a song that tells me there is more, and Jesus promises me there is more.


Jesus said, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn 8:36) and he went on to add, "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Jn 8:32). So, freedom can be found in Jesus. In fact, it has been my experience and the experience of untold numbers that Jesus is the only way to freedom. The kind of freedom that is not just about me. The kind of freedom that empowers my living to be less selfish, more generous, open, loving and even sacrifical towards others.

Looking for freedom? Good, it's a worthy pursuit. Frustrated that your pursuit as to this point been fruitless and harmful? Man, do I understand that. Try the freedom that Christ promises. It is different- He is different!