FREEDOM COMES WITH RESPONSIBILITY

"Be careful that this freedom of yours [in Christ] does not in any way turn into an obstacle to trip those who are vulnerable." (The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:9 NJB)

Victor Frankel was a famous psychologist who survived the concentration camps of World War Two. He went on to become a leading psychologist of his time. One might think that someone who'd endured such horror might go overboard in pursuit of freedom. But Victor Frankel once said something very profound about America.  He noticed that, in New York, we have this marvelous statue to freedom: the Statue of Liberty. It shines like a beacon at the doorway of our nation. But, he suggested that perhaps we need a little balance. He suggested that perhaps, somewhere on the West Coast, we ought to erect another statue. And that would be a Statue of Responsibility.

Freedom of any kind -- to speak, to live, to work, to love -- always comes with the responsibility to seek balance as well. Paul knew this 2,000 years ago. And he tells us something we need to learn again today: The freedom we have in Christ gives us a great responsibility to care for others and treat others as well as ourselves.  And sometimes, just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should. 

-- Eric Folkerth, Copyright 2000. All Rights Reserved. (Used with Permission) 

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