What is freedom and independence?
If to briefly describe our times, the most suitable word is self-will.
Not in the sense of complete anarchy and lawlessness, namely in the sense of following one’s will. By "one’s will" the majority understands "one’s desires." So, self-will is an attempt to realize one’s desires to the maximum.
On the other hand, a modern man by hook or by crook is trying to prove his rightness. You can speak with him about anything as long as he does not think that you contradict him. The man today is sure that he is always right, and those who do not agree with him are enemies.
Thus, when we hear the words of independence and freedom, in most cases, this means that it goes about the fulfillment of one’s desires and of one’s rightness: "I do whatever I want, and nobody has the right to criticize me."
However, such a position is totally unacceptable for life in society. Guided only by their desires, a person puts himself outside the public interest, which means that sooner or later he/she loses independence, becoming a marginal and an outcast, and destroying the society itself.
Freedom implies first of all the duties and liabilities. A person is free only when they do not meet obstacles when doing what they must do. The highest degree of manifestation of free will is to do what you must do.
Thus, for a Christian to be free means to fulfill the commandments of God. Such freedom is possible only in Christ, who said: "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." This freedom does not interfere realize one’s desires, but it helps to fit them to the context of the public good, which eventually becomes a good to an individual.
Therefore, when we talk about independence, we must always remember that true independence is freedom from sin, and true freedom is the fulfillment of one’s duties. Only then we can build a normal society and a great country.
Read also
A Saint for Our Times: Reviewing The Life of Saint Cleopa
A profound spiritual treasure marred by poor editing and disappointing production quality
The Maximus Option
St. Maximus the Confessor defied both Pope Honorius I and Ecumenical Patriarch Sergius I, refusing to follow them even if “the whole universe” joined their Monothelite heresy. Today, with the looming threat of a false union between Rome and Constantinople, we must be prepared to resist both Pope and Ecumenical Patriarch, as St. Maximus did.
Ask a Priest: How Do I Find a Spouse?
Father, bless! I am struggling. I’m so despondent. I desperately want to find a wife, but absolutely every relationship I start (when I can find one!) is a complete and total disaster. I’m giving up. Clearly, God doesn’t want me to be married! Help… if you can. Your son, K—
A Struggle for Freedom or a New Maidan? – The Protests in Serbia from the Perspective of Serbian Orthodox Church Believers
In an editorial recently published by UOJ-Serbia, readers are shown the opinions of Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC) faithful regarding the current events in the country and the role of the SOC in all of it. The editorial team offers full support to the SOC in its desire to preserve peace and stability in the state.
The Doubling Down of Pat. Bartholomew
A look at the “apostolic visit” that at times felt more like a business trip in which Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew stood firm on all the wrong things.
The Feast of Pokrov – a Prayerful Remembrance of the Mother of God’s Heavenly Protection
The Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated in memory of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae in Constantinople, as a sign of Her protection over Christians.