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01/06/2009 Richard's Ramblings - June

While on holidays some time ago I read a story by Robert Ludlum called “The Matarese Circle”.

One of the issues raised in this story related to the cost we might be prepared to pay in order to ensure world peace and a strong well functioning economic system.

One particular group of people were of the opinion that the political system had outlived its usefulness and a (small) group of high-powered businessmen were the most effective means of governing the world.

In the view of these men, any loss of personal identify and freedom - or life - inherent in the system of rule they were proposing was justified by the enormous (perceived) gain.

The story was about high-pressure international conspiracies and Intelligence operations, so it could be argued that both sides of the issue were equally willing to sacrifice life in order to achieve their goals. However “the goodies” wanted personal and political freedom, and stopped at nothing, so the story goes, to protect that freedom.

I wonder what freedom really is? How free to make our own decisions and live our own lives are we really?

No doubt there are many things within our lives over which we have very little control or influence. Some of those things are good. They protect us and give us guidance as we live. Some of those influences are not so good, inhibiting our development and wholeness.

The other day I heard some stories of people who came to a point in their lives when they realised that the freedom they thought they had was the very thing which was, in fact, stopping them realising the goals for which they hoped.

When their so-called freedom was brought under control, their hopes and dreams began to be fulfilled.

I’ve often heard people talk of God as taking away people’s freedom to do what they want with their lives. My experience has been that God gives back the strength to take control over my life in such a way that it actually makes possible many of the things I could not otherwise have hoped for.

Are there areas of your life in which you are looking for freedom? How are you going to get there?

Rev Richard Johnston
June 2009

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