I am at the stage of life where I enjoy a new level of personal freedom. No longer am I under the watchful eye of older family members. I am the matriarch of my little branch of the family tree. If I want to go on a trip, I don’t have to ask permission from anyone. If my desire is to purchase something, I don’t have to clear it with others. My schedule is my own. I am free to make independent personal choices.
However, personal freedom shouldn’t be without boundaries. When the exercise of personal freedom affects those within our sphere of influence, decisions must be weighed against potential consequences for ourselves and others.
Following are reflections on responsible personal freedom:
Example
I grew up with parents who stressed the importance of making choices that set a good example. Over the years, I’ve discovered that although it seems as if no one is paying attention to what you do, they certainly see (and comment) when you do or say something that goes against your normal pattern and personal values.
Setting a consistent example in behavior, words, and faith helps define who we are. Our life example has the ability to positively influence others.
Influence
In this stage of my life, I can do whatever I please, within reason. However, the deciding factors in choices should include whether what I do is beneficial for me, and for others. Will what I do and say be helpful and wise? Or will my choices only satisfy selfish desires?
Health
Each day, we make choices that impact our health. What we eat in private shows up on our bodies in public. If you engage in secret sin, it eventually surfaces. Substance abuse can’t be hidden indefinitely.
Although it may take years for the consequences to surface, ultimately, decisions made long ago, or conditions ignored, take their toll.
Personal freedom without boundaries is detrimental to health and well-being.
Responsibility
Personal freedom doesn’t exempt me from behaving in a responsible manner. I have a responsibility to myself, and others, to set a positive example. Unbridled personal freedom may feel liberating, but the judicious control of freedom brings peace and spurs forward motion.
“I have the freedom to do anything, but not everything is helpful. I have the freedom to do anything, but I won’t be controlled by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12 CEB).
“Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17 AMP).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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