How important is your freedom? Is it worth dying for?
The Oxford Dictionary defines freedom as the ability of a person to act however he wants without hindrance. It is the absence of slavery from any authority and the power to decide one's future. I used to agree with this concept until I read Romans 6:16 which says, "Don't you know...you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?" (emphasis mine)
When children disobey their parents for the sake of their friends, they are free themselves from their parents' control but they are enslaved to their friends. Likewise, when subordinates do not submit to their bosses because they don't agree with them, they are free themselves from their authority but are slaves to their personal pride. Romans 6:16 is telling us that we are never free, and the only freedom we have is the ability to choose whom to obey.
Ironically, the best example of the proper use of freedom was shown by a boy who became a slave and then later became a prisoner. Joseph was robbed of his freedom in many ways and yet, he always chose to do his best for his master Potiphar. When he was seduced by his master's wife, he chose to do what was right. He resisted and according to Genesis 39:9 he said, "How could I do this great evil, and sin against God?" Joseph's life proved that Romans 6:16 is correct. Though Potiphar was Joseph's earthly master, Joseph considered himself as a slave of God whom he had to obey. When he chose to obey God, he gained a better life. God eventually made a way for him to become the prime minister of Egypt. What do you think would have happened if he chose to be tempted and sin?
Pope John Paul II said, "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but having the power to do what we ought." So let us exercise our freedom to choose wisely, so that we may give God the chance to fulfill His good plans for us. May He do to you what He did for Joseph.
