Morning Devotional

July 3, 2004

"Celebrate Freedom (Part 2)"

by Don Emmitte

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But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who push the truth away from themselves. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. (Romans 1:18-24 NLT).

NOTE: Today I am continuing the theme of freedom. If you missed yesterday’s devotional you may wish to get it from the archives and read it.

As I wrote yesterday, the outbreak of war, riots or violence is usually fueled by propaganda, hatred, nervousness, prejudice, and rumor. Propaganda is filled with labels and broad pictures. Extreme positions on either side contribute to the breakdown of not hearing each other. Even the best intentions sometimes create more separation and alienation. For example, a church or school group gathers to discuss a problem of common interest, then one side calls the other "right wing." Later the leader of the "right wing" group is interviewed on television regarding his views on the issue. But only part of the interview is used. What the leader really said was, "We are hurt and angry by the breakdown of communication. We need more discussion. Unless we can come to agreement, I'm afraid this will lead to a protest." The interview is edited to say, "We are angry ... This will lead to a protest." What sounds like a declaration of open hostility, was actually a plea for more discussion.

However, the media is not all to blame. This kind of "shortening" for effect is not just the habit of the media, but something all of us do in conversation. We tell the juiciest part of stories, and the effect is gossip, build up of distrust, and breakdown of communication.

Many of us, but not all, enjoy wonderful freedoms in North America. Women, in spite of all the problems, enjoy one of the most open societies on earth. Men are discovering the freedom to enjoy home and family life. We have beautiful countryside, interesting cities, communities that are finding ways to reverse decay and violence. We stand in danger of losing all this to civil unrest and bloodshed when we believe stories without checking facts, when we don't ask questions, when we fail to look at motives behind deeds.

It is the truth that makes men free! Make this holiday something to truly celebrate. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Check out the “facts.” If you read and listen to "one side" of an issue, take time to find out the other side as well. Refuse to pass on gossip or innuendo. Become friends with someone of another race, ethnic group or belief. Talk to your friend when questions come up that make you uneasy. These are very simple ways to preserve the freedoms that we have. Then we can truly celebrate our freedom.