Self-Restraint

But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

The apostle Paul was a cheerleader for Christian freedom (Galatians 5:1).  He often made the case in his letters that Christ’s atoning work set us free from the stringencies of the law.  But the freedom that Paul describes is not freedom from responsibility.  Indeed, there is an expectation that Christian freedom leads to direct responsibility for relationships with others.  The defining parameter for Christian freedom is found in the scriptural command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Galatians 5:14)

Thus, love of neighbor provides the guiding principle for our freedom.  We are free to do whatever leads to the good for our neighbor.  John Wesley’s first two General Rules underscore this guiding principle - Do no harm, and do good.  Certainly, Christian freedom guards against self-interest at the expense of the community.  

Our present pandemic crisis serves as an illustration of two juxtaposing expressions of freedom.  There are those who are interpreting their freedom as a license to do as they please regardless of what is best for the community.  Protesters armed with weapons enter a government building in Michigan in order to demonstrate their freedom.  On the other hand, medical professionals from different states voluntarily offer their services to hospitals in New York City to aid their efforts to help patients suffering from COVID-19.  If those two examples express the extremes of a freedom continuum, which of the two appears to be the best example of Christian freedom?  Duh.

Clearly, there are two values that are at war with each other at the present time - the value of health and wellness versus the value of financial well-being.  There are also two kinds of suffering that result if either of those values are sacrificed.  There is no unanimity of opinion on which of these values should have priority, though the majority of Americans have agreed that public health requires the present financial sacrifice.  There are those who disagree quietly.  And there are those who disagree belligerently.    

The apostle Paul’s guidance on our use of freedom is instructive.  We are free, he says, but not if our freedom causes another to stumble (Romans 14:13).  The Christian use of freedom, therefore, is not arrogant.  “It does not insist on its own way . . .” (1 Corinthians 13:5).  Christian freedom is most incarnate when it is expressed for the good of relationships, when it builds up community, when it shows love of the neighbor.  

I am eager for the lifting of restrictions on commerce and the easing of social distancing requirements.  I empathize with those who are suffering the loss of income and jobs and I can not imagine their bewilderment and anxiety.  I do not wish to minimize their worry and pain.  But people are dying from this disease.  More people have died in two months in the U.S. from the coronavirus than died in the many years of the Vietnam War.  At this time how can we use our freedom to do any less than what love requires?