All I want is to be free!
Have you ever heard someone use this phrase? I certainly have, and I have said it myself. Many people, from different generations, have expressed this desire. We all want to be free from something.
I remember craving freedom from my parents’ protective hands while growing up. When I finally got it, I realized I was still not free. Eventually, after enjoying the freedom for a while, I began to crave that restriction again because I realized that the more I did what I wanted, the more I lost myself.
The question I have for everyone is, “Is anyone truly free, and why are most people not free?”
This write-up will shed more light on this issue and elaborate on why we should not always crave freedom. It will also discuss when it is best to fight for freedom.
WHAT IS FREEDOM?
Freedom is a crucial concept in this discussion, so it is important to define it.
It can be simply defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think without external constraints, coercion, or interference.
John Stuart Mill, in his work “On Liberty” (1859), defines freedom primarily in terms of individual liberty. Note the term “individual liberty,” as we will reference it later.
WHAT IS SLAVERY?
Now that we have defined freedom, it is only right to define slavery.
According to historian Stanley L. Engerman, slavery is the control over a person’s life, liberty, and fortune by another and the use of this control to benefit the controlling party.
In this context, Erich Fromm’s definition in his book “Escape from Freedom” might explain this better. He defines slavery as “the condition in which an individual, driven by societal pressures or internalized norms, unconsciously adopts behaviors and beliefs that restrict their own freedom and authenticity.”
Having defined these concepts, let’s discuss why most people are not free. Sometimes in life, we fight for what we don’t understand. We fight to be on our own, to be independent, and while there’s nothing wrong with being free and independent, the problem arises when we achieve that freedom.
PURPOSE, VISION, AND DISCIPLINE
Anyone who has succeeded in any endeavor always has these concepts clearly defined:
Purpose: The reason why a person was born.
Vision: Revelations of how this purpose will play out, seeing beyond what your eyes can see.
Discipline: Imposed restrictions and constraints for the sole purpose of achieving a goal.
We all know the saying, “When purpose is not defined, abuse is inevitable.” I have never believed anything more than this. Experience, they say, is the best teacher. While defining freedom, important words like “right to act,” “right to speak,” and “individual liberty” were used. These are beautiful and powerful words, but if purpose and vision are not known and defined, they can become problematic rather than a solution.
Discipline is a simple word but very difficult to practice. I have realized that the only way discipline can be easy is if one has a defined purpose, vision, and is working towards that. If you are living for today and following the crowd, discipline will be an impossible virtue to cultivate.
Dr. Myles Munroe, in his book “The Principles and Power of Vision,” said that a clear vision when figured out defines literally every aspect of your life when figured out.
THE LINE BETWEEN FREEDOM AND SLAVERY
I had a detailed conversation with one of my mentors some months ago. I asked him if he would dictate his children’s career choices or let them decide. His answer blew me away.
He said that we pay too much attention to our kids’ careers and, in doing so, most parents neglect to build the most important foundation in their children’s lives. He is not yet concerned about his children’s careers, as they are under 12, but he is building the foundation by teaching them about four important things: fear of God, values, morals, and discipline.
The truth is, the line between freedom and slavery is thin, very slim. Most times, people think they are free, not knowing they are slaves. They might think they are free physically – their parents, guidance, mentors, and disciplinarians – but end up being slaves to their souls – various addictions, substances, pornography, masturbation, and the rest of it. I call it, being healthy physically but sick in the soul.
I understand the need to explore life, but without a strong foundation, there is a high probability of enslaving yourself to what doesn’t matter in your quest for freedom.
CONCLUSION
Freedom with little or no discipline is dangerous. If you are not disciplined enough, if your foundation is not strongly rooted in values, morals and principles, do not fight for freedom. What you think will set you free can damage you.
There is a whole life ahead of you; do not damage it for a few minutes of pleasure. The road back from addiction is a long one, and I personally advise you not to embark on it.
The beauties of life & family 