"I Want To Be Free"

It is not unusual for young people to chafe at the restrictions put on them by their parents, grand-parents, or society. Whether from impatience or rebellion, young people often react to rules and regulations as though they are designed to keep them from enjoying life. We hear the phrases: “unconditional love,” “total freedom,” and “I’ll worry about that tomorrow.” These (and other expressions) have one thing in common: some want the ability to do as they please without having to incur the consequences of guilt that inevitably follow.

While young folks do not have the experience to know that there is no such thing as “unconditional love” or “total freedom,” most older folks have learned that even the love of God has conditions and that freedom is not free. All of us are held accountable for our actions (Gal. 6:5) and we must learn this early in life or the road to the future will have many roadblocks.

The older generation wants the next generation to grow, develop their talents and be the bridge to the generations yet to come. Nothing is more satisfying to grandparents than to see the success of their children and grandchildren in marriage, business, education and the Lord’s work. Most rules and regulations, properly understood, are the result of parental love which promotes freedom from sin and helps to avoid guilt brought on by poor choices.

We have learned from the experience of age the importance of abstinence of sex before marriage. “Free love” is not free and there are consequences to promiscuous sex such as std’s (sexually transmitted disease), unwed mothers (and fathers), poverty that accompanies single-mother households, etc. The rules of God which teach us morality and purity in life (Gal. 5:16-21; Col. 3:1-10; Rom. 12:1; et al) may be viewed as restrictive of sexual freedom, but they truly have the welfare of the next generation in mind.

“Get your homework” is a phrase often detested by young people, but if one isn’t educated, one grows up unequipped to keep a position in the work place. There is a difference in “working hard” and “working smart.” Face life without an education and get your education at the “college of hard knocks.”

If a youthful marriage is based only on physical looks without regard to spiritual and moral excellence, one may find him/herself headed for the divorce courts when issues of life test their inner strength. Are you free to marry whom you wish? Yes, but there are consequences: “marry in haste and repent at leisure.” Choosing a suitable mate for life requires more than youthful lust and instant gratification.

Are you tired of Bible study, attending worship services and living a life different from many of your friends? I hope you live long enough to see the end of many of those same friends who preach “total freedom.” This has been the favorite expression of the drug culture, but we have learned by sad experience what the apostle Peter knew by inspiration. Such “promise them liberty, while they themselves are bondservants of corruption” (2 Pet. 2:19). There is no bondage more cruel than drug addiction. Freedom from an acquired addiction always comes at great price. It is not free and there are terrible consequences!

Young people, you are deeply loved by your physical family and your spiritual family in the Lord. As a grandfather, I treasure every moment with my grandchildren. I want them to succeed. I want them to be free. I want them to have happy lives. As one who sees the young people in the congregation, I want the very best for your future. But Satan lures with the lies of total freedom, unconditional love and action without consequences.  

You shall rise before the gray headed
and honor the presence of an old man,
and fear your God: I am the Lord.
- Leviticus 19:32

Because We Love You
Edited By Mike Willis