Tip of My Iceberg

photo courtesy of Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Growing up with hard-working parents who had high expectations for each of us kids was a gift and a challenge. I learned that a good work ethic could make the difference in how I lived. The other side of that was I wanted freedom from the many rules and assumptions put on us that felt heavier than I was comfortable with.

What self-respecting teenager doesn’t want that sense of freedom?

Independence sounded perfect because it meant I could make my own rules or break them. It meant I got to choose what I wanted when I wanted it.

Becoming an adult was an eye-opening experience that life wasn’t always what I wanted. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt explained my dilemma: “With freedom comes responsibility.”

More responsibility wasn’t what I was looking for. Where’s the fun in that?

Independence Day is a celebration of that longed-for freedom and the accepting of responsibility for our choices. When America declared its independence from the British Empire, it was the first step in creating a country where we chose the rules.

With rules come consequences. Responsibility. Meaningful and thought-through decisions.

One of my favorite heroes is Nelson Mandela, a man of peace who was jailed for treason for 27 years in South Africa for speaking of freedom and equality in a place where blacks were held in poverty and oppression by the white government. Because of his attitude of peace and reconciliation, when he was released he became tireless in his efforts to see a peaceful democratic South Africa. He was eventually elected as president in 1994 in the country’s first free election. His comment on freedom reflects an unselfish heart and a focus on everyone. “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.”

Too often we often take our freedom for granted, as if it’s an entitlement. That we’re owed the “right” to do as we please. That’s not freedom; that’s misdirected pride. True freedom has a price. It’s not something to be claimed, like a prize in a game or winning the lottery. That’s chance at work. True freedom comes with a price, and the founding fathers of our country recognized that this republic they created was fashioned as a creative attempt to treat people with dignity, equality, and respect. Freedom was offered to those who were like them–those looking for the privilege of choosing their faith and how they wanted to live,

We’re still working the kinks out on that. Some success. A lot of failures. We too often get our expected rights confused with our necessary responsibilities. True freedom is caring for others, not just looking out for ourselves.

The apostle Paul shared how we can do that: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. but don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13-14.

True freedom is service. It’s seeing everyone else–whether they’re like us or not–as worthy of our love and compassion. It’s why, when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He washed the feet of the one He knew would betray Him. He loves selflessly.

Freedom isn’t free to do as I please. I thought that at one point in my life, but I’ve grown to understand that my decisions and actions have an impact on others. I live among others who are as needy of love, forgiveness, and grace as I am.

Maybe this Independence Day we could all think about more than picnics, fireworks, and parades and consider how we can love well those around us.

That’s a freedom that can’t be legislated against.