Thoughts on Freedom

Today, I am going to pick up a man to whom we have ministered for four years. He is being released from prison today. He has spent the last 15 months behind bars.

A little over a month ago, I was able to attend his graduation from the Re-entry Life Program through Prison Fellowship. During the ceremony, they talked about how those of us on the outside can help the prisoners after they are released. They covered everything from finances to housing to jobs to spiritual matters. (This is a tremendous program!)

One thing struck me. They talked about decisions. Everyday, we makes hundreds of decisions. We decide on everything from which socks to wear to what route to take to work to what we will eat. We make mundane decisions, and we make major decisions. Nonetheless, we make hundreds of decisions today. They pointed out that prisoners make only a couple dozen decisions each day. They are told when to get up, what to wear, when to eat, what to eat, when to shower. Simple decisions that we take for granted are made for them. So, when they get out they have to adjust to the decision-making process. They are not told when to get up, what eat, etc.

I was just thinking that our freedom is all about decisions. Living in the United States, I can decide where to work, where to live, etc. My freedom in Christ also allows me to make decisions. Christ does not dictate to us how much time we spend with him, or what acts of mercy we do. We are free to decide. As with anything in life, we have the option to make good and bad decisions.

Don't take freedom for granted.