November 9, 2021 Editor

Wisdom: “Thoughts on Freedom”

World Freedom Day 2021

 
November 9, 2021

WN: The last lines of the meditation below are beautiful:

Let us not build walls with hatred and rage. Let us meet in the open meadows of God’s love and peace.

Amen.

excerpts:

The Cold War began after World War II, between the USA and Russia and their respective allies. George Orwell had coined the term in a 1945 essay called You and The Atomic Bomb. As he explored the essence of a world living under the shadow of nuclear war, he cautioned of “a peace that is no peace,” calling it “a permanent Cold War.”

Today, crowds loudly protest for their rights, saying they are afraid of losing their freedom. This is much different than the rights and freedom sought by the East Germans. Yet we are seeing many families here separated not by any physical barrier but by their personal beliefs and opinions. Many of these claim Christianity as their religion.

What exactly does Jesus say about our personal rights and freedom?

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8: 31-32

Jesus’ message was one of peace and love. It was not one of freedom wrest away from others or kept only for us.

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”Gal 5:13-14

This is not just a new covenant idea. The Psalmist wrote:

“I will walk in freedom for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45

And what about our rights? Jesus did not mince words.

39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… Matt 5:39-44

For me, to go from this instruction of Jesus Christ to thinking I have a right to take a war-like stand against one who is merely different from me is a tremendous leap. Throughout his teachings Jesus continually helped and loved the “other.” He asks us to give up our rights in their favor.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. Phil 2: 5-7

Those under the age of 75, living in North America, have always lived in peacetime here. Unless we have served in wars abroad, it is difficult to imagine what the constant threat of war does to humankind. And yet given Orwell’s notion of “a peace that is no peace” I am not at all sure we are not in a state of a cold war now.

As Christians, we are to be peacemakers.

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Editor

Wayne Northey was Director of Man-to-Man/Woman-to-Woman – Restorative Christian Ministries (M2/W2) in British Columbia, Canada from 1998 to 2014, when he retired. He has been active in the criminal justice arena and a keen promoter of Restorative Justice since 1974. He has published widely on peacemaking and justice themes. You will find more about that on this website: a work in progress.

Always appreciate constructive feedback! Thanks.