freedom for

We are hearing a lot about freedom lately. In particular “freedom from.” In the Middle East, the rumblings of freedom from oppression, freedom from the domination of dictatorships, is not just a byproduct of elections in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Palestinian Authority. Many will argue that “freedom from” is inherent in the human conscience.

And Pope John Paul II represented a biblical view of freedom which is different than “freedom from.” It’s called, “Freedom for.” Freedom to reach out to your neighbor as a result of your being forgiven by Jesus. Freedom for the sake of the other. The Pope had a key influence in the fall of communism in Europe and his message was consistent. Men and women need freedom in order to be free to serve the needs of others. Christian freedom is not, “Free to do whatever I want,” and it is not, “Free to take advantage of you.” The healthy mix of “freedom from” and “freedom for” obviously has a powerful intrigue as witnessed by the outpouring of affirmation for the Pope from around the world. The truths of the Bible ring strangely true when they reach beyond the walls of opposition to give the Word a fair hearing.