I Want To Be Free

St. Louis, MO – Dr. Robert Scott

There is a profound quote written in the Declaration of Independence that outlines our God given rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” considered the three unalienable rights of man. But, the Declaration of Independence, even coupled with our Constitution, does not have the power to change hearts and make us more loving, more compassionate, and more gracious. The problem with those documents is they hold us to legal and philosophical standards, but they cannot develop the moral or spiritual character necessary to decrease violence in our community, increase respect for others, or cultivate tolerance for difference. Operating with a sense of authentic freedom is not derived from religion, politics, or even money. It comes from striving to be your best self, regardless of context or conditions.

Real liberty comes by understanding that your context does not have to define you. At best, your context can only describe you.  God has deposited something within you that is more precious and powerful than animal instinct and human impulse. God has given us the power of choice which permits us to move beyond the limitations and boundaries that would deter us from our purpose and destiny. The power to choose means you have the capacity to create a brighter reality and a better you. Yet, the power to choose must be connected to a moral or spiritual compass that provides us with the freedom to become all that we have the capacity to be. Unfortunately, too many of us are living in bondage—spiritually, relationally, and emotionally. Jesus tells us that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. In other words, there is authentic liberty in Christ.

What does this mean for everyday living?

Spiritual freedom does not mean doing what you want, when you what, and how you want. This type of freedom does not impinge or intrude upon another person. Rather, this type of freedom seeks and promotes the good of someone else. It empowers you to engage in selfless acts of kindness and become unselfish in living because you no longer depend upon others to define your reality.  The biblical writ reminds us “whom the Spirit sets free is free indeed.”

The Founding Father

Consider this: God does not want to be in a co-dependent relationship with humanity.  God wants to be in an interdependent relationship where there is mutuality, respect, and love. I have concluded God does not want to tell you what to wear, where to eat, or what to drink. No, God wants our hearts and minds developed so that we are advocates for justice, fairness, and equality. Spiritual liberty empowers us to make radical moves that bend the moral arc of the universe toward righteousness. It allows you to look beyond the wrongs of a person and see their wounds; peek beyond the trouble and see the tragedy; and look past the problems and see potential.

When you are spiritually free, jealousy and envy no longer have preeminence because things and even relationships no longer define you. There is a transcendental awareness and confidence that empower you to move with purpose, passion, and power. When you embrace this understanding, what seemed impossible has the potential to become reality. And that, you will not find in a Constitution or Declaration of Independence!