"To those whom much is given, much is required." Some attribute this quote to John F. Kennedy, others remember it from the passage in Luke 12:48. Either way the saying holds true. To those whom much is given, much is required.
Paul reminds us that we are called to freedom. What does it mean to be called, though? Is it when someone shouts out your name? Perhaps it's when your cell phone rings during a movie.
When Paul speaks about a "call" here he is using the word as defined this way: to invite. I believe that Paul is telling us that the freedoms we enjoy are gifts we are being asked to participate. But how does one participate in freedom?
The last thing I saw before going to bed last night was a news story about a Democratic Senator from Texas who was filibustering a vote to narrow that state's abortion laws. I won't pretend to understand all that is involved in the decision of having an abortion, but I do know women who have been through it. The decisions are never easy, and no matter what the decision is, it always come with moments of fear and regret. It's a decision that is truly best left to the mother and those in which she chooses to make that decision with.
It's in our freedoms true peace can be found. When our freedoms are taken away or diminished we begin to harbor feelings and thoughts we think may get us ostracized. Sometimes we just look for alternate ways to live our freedoms, such as the underground abortion clinics before 1973.
Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) understood this as she spoke out as a minority party member in her Senate chamber and did everything she could to halt that vote. Miss Davis fought for freedom. Miss Davis ensured the rights and freedoms of those she represented were not taken away. Miss Davis participated in the call to freedom.
In our passage Paul gives us two lists. He also gives us a summary of what the lists can be defined as. He says, "For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (5:14) Let us all do our part in remembering that with our freedoms comes the great responsibilities to fight for the freedoms of all.
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