Freedom
Here is a line from a famous 60s song- let’s see if you can
figure it out. “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” That is
a line from a famous hippie song we can all relate to.
How often do you reflect back on songs that for whatever
reason had significant meaning in your life? It can be about broken
relationships, fun trips, past love, or the dream of life that slipped you by.
With the popularity of YouTube it is easier than ever to find those missing tunes
and enjoy a moment that was a lifetime ago.
Do you ever wonder why we spend so much time looking back
and little to no time looking ahead?
It is actually good
to look back because without history, we would have no future. But don’t spend
all of your time on the ‘what if’s’ and not the ‘can do’s’.
The line from Me and My Bobby McGee is about freedom. I love
the thought of freedom, however you would have to agree, it is a misunderstood
word. We all have certain levels of freedom that we can exercise. With those
free choices come consequences we may or may not want. Freedom is just another
word for nothing left to lose. Does that mean I am at the bottom? Does it mean
I am drifting through life with no clue where I am going? Either way, it brings
us back to freedom to do something.
We as humans were created with rational thought and that
thought process is developed through years of living life. It can be wisdom we
gain, and with that, we utilize the knowledge to make a life that we can enjoy
because we took the responsibility and used freedom properly. That development
process can also make you hard at heart and anxious about the world in which
you live. Freedom used the wrong way actually enslaves us to a life of
paralysis and inactivity because we are blind to the beauty of which the world
truly holds.
I have to share some words from scripture that I hope will
start to bring all this together. We all seek freedom, we seek a life of joy, we
seek the ability to move forward not backwards. In John 8:32 where Jesus said, “You will know the
truth, and the truth will make you free.” We can seek freedom at any level we
want. Without a doubt, we will always
hit a brick wall if your spiritual foundation is built on sand.
For me Christ offers the truth and the freedom to seek forgiveness
for my past transgressions. Christ also gives me the freedom to move forward
because his word tells me he is the way and the truth. I think it is important
to listen to old music and even reflect on the life that was, I also think we
should put greater importance on the life before you. The old saying that says,
“What lies behind you pales in comparison to what lies in
you” is so true. Our best has yet to be lived.
Wake up the dead in you and reach out for the life you once
dreamed of. With Christ as your guide the freedom to live and choose will be
grounded with the knowledge and wisdom given you by The Holy Spirit. This is
your life and only your life. No one can live your life but you. If you have a desire
to let the new you out, the freedom to choose is now. Do you have nothing left
to lose? I say you have everything to win.
Peace to all
Dale Childress
Comments