“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.” —Romans 8:18-21
I used to think freedom was doing whatever I pleased.
I used to think liberty was all about me.
I used to think freedom was never having to decide. I used to think liberty was a lack of commitment or suffering weighing down body and mind.
I used to think freedom was lazing away yet another lazy day. I used to think liberty was found in cheap laughter and play.
I used to think freedom was friends feasting like kings. I used to think liberty was the sleep that intoxication brings. I used to think freedom was blacking out to smoke, pill, potion and drink. I used to think liberty was the freedom of not having to think.
I used to think freedom was sharing a casual bed. I used to think liberty was strangers pretending to be wed. I used to think freedom was stealing a forbidden kiss. I used to think liberty was a secret second of bliss.
I used to think freedom was getting more by doing less. I used to think liberty was never having to confess. I used to think freedom was found in power and prestige. I used to think liberty was seeing my enemies defeated.
I used to think freedom was never having to be under any man’s boot. I used to think liberty was greater than any good or truth. I used to think freedom was in mocking those who jockey and compete. I used to think liberty was found in the critic’s seat. I used to think freedom meant having my needs met. I used to think liberty was using grievance to guilt the world into regret.
I used to think freedom was tearing down powerful, corrupt men. I used to think liberty was calling out their public sins. I used to think freedom was snickering at palace intrigues. I used to think liberty was learning to love the cynical dog’s fleas.
I used to think freedom was to question and test the Most High. I used to think liberty was the freedom to deny Him and love the lie – that no matter what a man does he is never forgiven and will suffer, then die.
But freedom is not some cheap trick of the tongue nor some glory of self that accepts no duty while pretending to be forever young.
And liberty is not found in wasting away the day, nor through the plenty of feasting, drink, laughter, and play.
Freedom is not found in seeking some powerful feat, the enemy’s demise, nor the critic’s flea-infested seat.
Liberty is not sharing a stranger’s bed nor piling up storehouses by methods better left unsaid.
Freedom is not something a man can make nor something to be given up to indifferent, fatal fate.
Liberty is not crafted for a man’s own sake but is a gift of love – given to be given, chosen to be chosen, bestowed before the very foundations of the world were laid – destined by a Love forever greater than any mistake man or woman could ever make.
I used to think freedom was doing whatever I pleased.
I used to think liberty was all about me.
But now I see these are the glorious gifts of God’s heavenly family, redeemed by the pouring out of Christ’s blood and grace in a mystery that, once and for all, serves as the cornerstone of creation eternally.
Freedom is loving God the Father, giving up a broken and contrite heart to Him, just as God the Son gave up his spotless heart to wash away all crimson sin.
And liberty is believing in what He, through Christ Jesus, has done for you and me, sealed by the Holy Spirit so that we may love one another in a thanksgiving of everlasting fraternity.
Joey Clark is a native Alabamian and is currently the host of the radio program News and Views on News Talk 93.1 FM WACV out of Montgomery, AL, M-F 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. His column appears every Tuesday in 1819 News. To contact Joey for media or speaking appearances, as well as any feedback, please email [email protected]. Follow him on X @TheJoeyClark or watch the radio show livestream.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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