16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 2 Peter 2:16-17
Freedom has an interesting connotation these days. In American culture, we were brought up on the values our country was formed on, including freedom of religion. The people who came to America didn't have this freedom in most cases, to practice what they wished. There are also other freedoms we experience that others around the world do not, including speaking against oppressive governments or ideals that we don't agree with. But, we also as human beings have the freedom of choice, to choose the path we will follow. Choices can be hard at times, because of the pressures of those around us, and what society tells us to choose. Having freedom lets us make the best decision for our personal path, and this freedom should not be taken lightly. We should not use this freedom to choose sinful ways at times and the righteous way at another. We need to remember that God expects us to freely choose in a way that is respectful and loving, and we should not judge others for their freedom of choice. We don't have to like what other people freely choose, but we have to respect that they have that choice. Live freely but choose a path to freedom that is righteous.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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