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.
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