Use Your Freedom to Serve
As we approach Independence Day, it is good to pause and reflect on the many freedoms we experience here in the US. While anyone would admit our system of government is far from perfect and that justice does not always win the day, what we currently have is far better than many alternatives. It is reasonable that we would be grateful for the freedoms that we do have, set aside time to celebrate and not take them for granted.
One way I gain a broader perspective on freedom is by learning about people who have endured great suffering and the loss of personal freedom, such as Viktor Frankl and Nelson Mandela. When they reflect on their experiences, they seem to suggest that mere freedom of personal choice is not enough for a mature society—we also need Responsibility.
Frankl was a psychologist who was sent to various concentration camps during World War II. He witnessed unspeakable things, even losing multiple family members along the way. Here is an excerpt from his famous book Man’s Search for Meaning:
“Freedom, however, is not the last word. Freedom is only part of the story and half of the truth. Freedom is but the negative aspect of the whole phenomenon whose positive aspect is responsibleness. In fact, freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness.”
You can see how a man who lived through four different concentration camps could understand the brutal logical conclusion of one group’s demand for freedom while lacking any sense of responsibility to love their neighbors. It leads to violence and disregard for human life.
Mandela, for his part, before he became the first black and democratically elected leader of South Africa, endured racism, prejudice, and almost 3 decades of unjust imprisonment during apartheid. He was locked away while his friends, family, and the cause he believed in largely carried on without him.
Here is a quote attributed to Mandela:
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
It would have been so easy for Mandela to win freedom for himself and then hunker down and try to avoid anything that might compromise it, but he didn’t do that. Mandela knew it was not enough to secure one’s own comfort, but that freedom comes with a responsibility to serve and safeguard freedom for others, too.
This is not a new idea. It’s an ancient one. I think we’ve just lost touch with it. Even the apostle Paul comments on the purpose of freedom in his letter to the church in Galatia. He writes:
“13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
Freedom is not merely about being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want it. That is small-minded and selfish. True freedom empowers us to love one another.
So, this Independence Day, as you play, shoot off fireworks, cookout, and enjoy time with family while reflecting on the freedoms you have, I encourage you to take your reflections one step further. Think about how you can use your freedom to serve others in love. In particular, keep an eye out for those who are different from you. Be aware of the ways you divide groups of people into “good guys” vs. “bad guys.” Choose not to make enemies in your mind, but allow your freedom to awaken a sense of responsibility to consider other people’s well-being in addition to your own.
Happy to be in your corner,
Tom Page, LCPC
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