by Casey West

Created on: November 11, 2009   Last Updated: November 14, 2009

There are seventeen definitions for freedom in the dictionary. There are at least fifty billion other definitions of freedom in the world. An unhappy spouse may consider freedom as being rid of his or her "better half", and at liberty to do whatever they may wish without any emotional repercussions while, at the same time, a happy spouse feels that she may be living in freedom due to the trust and loyalty between the couple. An individual who feels that truth is subjective may feel that freedom is being able to do whatever he desires, whether it may be deceitful and harmful to his body, whenever he wants without being accused or made to feel guilty; the individual who believes in a universal right and wrong feels freedom is living in accordance to that universal truth, not being enslaved to materialism, drugs or anything that contradicts the laws of their universal truth.

The adjective definition of sound is having no defect as to truth, justice, wisdom or reason. So, a sound doctrine means it's perfect. It only means it's perfect if we recognize a universal truth. Two plus two can only be four, so why can't there only be one definition of truth? Pilate asked Jesus for the definition of truth. If we have the true definition of truth, we then have the true definition of freedom, which at that point, just leaves us with making the choice to either be free or continue to live in our enslavement to a false doctrine (assuming you've haven't been living in freedom already, of course).

When we live our lives according to a sound doctrine, we are driving on a paved road that leads to our desired destination (satisfaction). There will be bumps in the road, but there will always be a repair shop and gas station on the side, and even a nice little hole in the wall restaurant that always seems to have the best food. We won't be deliberating why our kids are getting pregnant at fifteen because we loved them as they were growing up, which in turn told them they are worth being respected and loved. Love is a sound doctrine. Love will prevent Johnny from bringing a gun to school with the intent to harm others or even himself. If Johnny is loved, he will also love himself. Love equals respect for oneself, which any self-respecting being will not enslave themselves to substance, sex or material addiction. Addiction to anything automatically nullifies freedom.

Living in freedom means living in a satisfied state of mind. A satisfied individual likes his spouse, his job, his family and even himself. He will not want to alter his state of mind with alcohol and drugs. He will not want to cheat on his spouse and hurt his children; he's satisfied with Betty and Junior. He will be satisfied with the honest living he's making because he was a hard-working student and received a degree in a field he actually enjoys. When you are genuinely loved and respected, you will pass that love to your family and acquaintances, and they will pass that on to theirs, which in turn mends the brokenness of the broken.

Just because we can't be perfect doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Let's break the chains of bondage one link at a time. Freedom is in fact an option.

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