“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These famous words from the Declaration of Independence set in motion a national consciousness committed to defend and promulgate the ideal of freedom here and abroad that has endured for over two hundred years. This freedom though comes with responsibility. And as with any gift we receive, we are obliged to respond with gratitude to the one who gives.
Whether some choose to acknowledge it or not, it is God that ultimately is the grantor of the freedom that we hold so dear in our nation and His gift of freedom comes with the expectation that it is used for the glory of God and not our own glory. As Saint Paul writes, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.” (1 Corinthians 6.12) It appears that Saint Paul was keenly aware that there would be times when we might freely choose something that would cause us harm. It goes without saying that I have the freedom to climb to the highest building and throw myself off the roof, but who would dare suggest this action would be helpful?
This week the Greek Orthodox Church in Florence is celebrating “A Week of Freedom” in conjunction with Greek Independence Day on March 25th. The Greeks, desiring their freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, following the example so gallantly displayed by our American founders, and calling upon the grace of God, declared themselves free to worship and live apart from the oppression of the Ottomans. The Greeks never forgot that it was God that desired all human beings to be free. It was for this reason that they chose March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, to begin their battle for freedom. It was after all, the glorious announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that the Son of God would be born of her for the salvation of all humanity to live “free from sin.” (Romans 6)
So what should our response be to God for this freedom from sin? All He asks is that we love each other. “Love is the fulfillment of the Law.” (Romans 13.10) How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer with hunger and homelessness if we love them? How can we continue to allow our fellow human beings to suffer the wrath of alcohol and drug addiction if we love them? How can we continue to ignore the needs of others when we have been so richly blessed by God? How can we continue to watch innocent babies slaughtered at the hands of doctors sworn by an oath to “do no harm?” We cannot!
I invite you to join our efforts this week and honor freedom! There are steps we can take TODAY that will show our love for our fellow human beings. First we must pray for each other that our hearts be opened to God’s call for a relationship with Him. Second we must live every moment as if we love Him. “If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar.” (1 John 4.20) Finally, we must take the time in our personal lives to help others, either by volunteering at local charities or by supporting those efforts to the best of our ability.
These are simple things we can do ourselves, whether or not the masses join our efforts. Not everyone will join us, but then again…with God all things are possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment