The High Cost of Freedom

From Marie Willermark´s blog:


The High Cost of Freedom
The question is not what the cost is, but rather who pays, and whose freedom is purchased.

The Arab democratization wave actualizes the political freedom’s dilemma. It should not only be won, but also realized. Young students, men and women, gave their lives to formulate and build a new future, but the established power structures appear to maintain control.

The "free market" direction has also been thrown open for discussion. When the municipal and state liquidation sales gained speed, arguments targeted the politicians and pointed to their incompetence to run large businesses. It may be a relevant argument, but it has been proven that skills to win bid proposals for improved activities in schools and social services has not fared any differently.

When I see the number and variety of ads for wine in our newspapers and hear Sverker Olofsson in his television program (January 4), about Sweden, which is about to drink itself to death, - then I wonder who is paying the cost for that freedom. The children? The family? Teenagers? In any event, the cost is not borne by the advertisers and the drinking culture lobbyists. Why don’t more decision makers (you and I in our different roles and circumstances) exercise their freedom to say no to all that destroys, breaks down and kills?

Fortunately, there is a freedom that can both withstand the need for control, corruption and profit. Magnus Malm writes thereof in the journal NOD, 2/2011. (Unfortunately the article is not available online.)

"Freedom has an inherent risk. The risk of things going on that we had not planned for. Our deep need for control meets its mortal enemy, freedom, and it becomes a duel to the death."

He goes on to reveal the whole issue in its important, original context: It has to do with whom we worship. Idols in biblical history are visible, touchable, tangible - but sadly dead. The living God is invisible and is therefore seen as perplexing - bewildering. "We carry the false gods. But the living God carries us. "

This is not only a question of theology. A sound freedom is the foundation for every person, family, community and country. (A) Freedom can only survive with the one who knows who and what is sacred in life. Freedom does not seek all that which I can find in order to extend my life. Freedom becomes greater when I consciously choose to waive that which is not pleasing to God. For if God is who he says he is, he purpose is to create healthy relationships - something that is indispensable for freedom to not be abused.

The analysis I’ve conducted of my own life reveals that I have an enormous amount of freedom. It’s obviously impacted on by external causes; I'm not poor and needy and I live in a functioning democratic country. But above all, I own a freedom purchased at a very high cost. My soul, my very spirit is freed from all feelings of guilt and shame. Such is the result of the outpoured and spent life of Jesus.