One principle we're learning is how important freedom is in our relationship with our horses. Freedom doesn't mean the horse gets to do whatever it wants. That's license, not freedom. We're still the leaders in our relationship.
The freedom I'm talking about is the freedom for the horse to find his way when we give a cue - to learn to do the right thing or to make a mistake without the fear of punishment. The right thing brings relaxation and softness.
Freedom is such an important concept in all our lives.
Just as with the horses, there is a real difference between license and freedom. None of us have the right to do anything we want. We can't steal, murder, lie, commit fraud, cause injury to someone else, etc., without consequences.
Freedom is the ability to choose to do those things that bring us into a right alignment in our lives - a right alignment with God, with our spouse, our kids, our friends, our co-workers - and a right alignment within ourselves where we are consistent with our thoughts, attitudes and actions. Another word for that consistency within ourselves is integrity.
The opposite of freedom is slavery.
Unfortunately, there is still human slavery in the world. However, the choices we make can put us into slavery - slavery to addictions, slavery to work, slavery to consumerism, slavery to government - you name it.
There's an old joke about a pastor doing a children's sermon with all the kids at the front of the church. He was talking about God's creation and how he created all the animals. He asked them, "What animal is gray, furry, has a long tail, climbs in trees and eats nuts?" One kid raised his hand and said, "Jesus." The pastor, somewhat startled asked him, "Why Jesus?" The little boy answered, "I know it sounds like a squirrel, but you always say the real answer is Jesus."
When it comes to true freedom, the answer really is Jesus.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
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1 comment:
It is so heartwarming to read blogs posted by fellow Christians.
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