“God, in the end, gives people what they most want, including freedom from himself.” -C.S. Lewis.
Another simple, huge point from Lewis. Some people are blessed by that statement, though it is pretty weighty.
Some people feel that’s the very thing that makes them disagree with God, period.
It got me to thinking, it seems there are two basic ideas of freedom that people generally choose from.
One idea: freedom is the absence of responsibility. There is no effort needed, no choices to make. You just get to ‘be’. We’ll call this the “desert island” ideal of freedom, and let’s be honest, we all love a little of that!
The other idea: freedom allows responsibility. Totally opposite from the desert island ideal, you could even say freedom IS responsibility, coming in the forms of choice, the ability to work, make progress, and the will to go one’s own way. We’ll call this the “land owner” ideal.
Which of the two does it seem God offers us?
In fact, which does it seem the principles of this country were founded on?
Ask every politician seeking leadership which kind of freedom they promote – make sure their idea of freedom lines up with yours.
How a person feels about Lewis’ statement will, I think, define their value or disdain of responsibility, and reveal which idea they have of freedom: laying on a desert island or being able to work your own land.
Personally, I’m honored, humbled, and thankful for the freedom that gives me responsibility. With all it’s weight (most things of value are heavy), and with all the ability it gives me to screw up, I’m thankful for it.
Think about this: had God created us without free will, without choice, without responsibility, where would we find worth, individuality, or identity? We wouldn’t even desire those things, any more than our household appliances do. We’d be “just another brick in the wall”… and indeed, many of us view humanity this way.
But is that how God sees us? If He offers us the responsibility of freedom, it seems our individuality is something He values; that our idenity, individuality, free will, and yes – responsibility – are His personal, poetic gifts to us.
And I love that.
