Rules or freedom?
Rules or freedom is one of those questions we face on at least a daily basis. We, at least in Canada, have considerable freedom to break rules, or laws. We can drive faster than the posted speed limit. We can shade the numbers on our tax return. We can cut classes. We are not free from the consequences of these actions if we are caught, but we have the freedom to do these things and more.
So where might these thoughts have come from? Our epistle reading this Sunday is from 1 Corinthians and has Paul talking about the necessity for limiting our freedom to do some things so we don’t cause other people problems. This seems rather self-evident but it obviously wasn’t then and it isn’t now. Everywhere we look it seems we see people putting themselves before anyone and everyone else. The desire many people have for affluence is more important than the damage their companies do to the environment. The desire for cheap clothing is more important than a living wage for the people who make the clothes. The desire to make a point on the internet is more important than any damage it might do. So what do we do?
If you are looking for a lens to help you look at situations and figure out what’s best there is nothing better than the two most important rules/laws/commandments according to Jesus. Love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself and you will do the right thing more often than the wrong one.
As always, give the sermon a listen and let me know what you think as you are able and inclined.
Blessings,
