The Free Man

In the closing days of the Civil War, the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, surrendered. Lincoln, against advice, visited the city. He knew only everyone knew him.
Admiral David Porter recorded remarks Lincoln made to the gathered crowd.

“My poor friends, you are free—free as air. You can cast off the name of a slave and trample upon it …. Liberty is your birthright. Let the world see that you merit your freedom. Don’t let your joy carry you into excesses. Learn the laws and obey them.”

Free people understand not their rights but their responsibility. None are free to do as they please but free to serve others.

Paul wrote to the Galatians (and to all eternity):

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)

True freedom calls for the freedom of self-restraint. Sadly, our world has taken a different path. Rage, anger, and slander dot our landscape. The man who is a true slave is self-indulgent. The master of self and whim are tyrants.

Enjoy your freedom, but use it to serve others, not yourself.