Christians have always believed in freedom. Many biblical texts encourage us to take freedom seriously.

Christian freedom means that I am not doomed by fate. It teaches us optimism in the face of calamity and death. St Paul puts it this way in Romans (8:28): We are well aware that God works with those who love him ... and turns everything to their good. Note the word everything. God turns everything to good. All I need to do is use my freedom to love God above all things, and do his will.

Freedom means I can be judged by God. He holds me responsible. I must make decisions using my free will. If I make a decision to choose good, good will always come from it. For instance, if I choose to refuse a bribe from someone trying to corrupt meeven when I desperately need the moneygood will come out of my action. I may have to suffer to make that decision. This is where God tests my faith, leaving me free to choose.

There will be times when it is easy for you to make a decision. For instance, you may be eager to get started on your work and do it well because you like the job.

Other days, it will not be easy, and you might not deliver. When its hard to make a decision, remember the words from the Book of Proverbs (10:5): Reaping at harvest-time is the mark of the prudent person; sleeping at harvest-time is the sign of a lazy person.

According to St Matthew, Jesus once asked (24:45): Who is the wise and prudent servant that the master put in charge of his household? He answered: Blessed is that servant if his masters arrival finds him doing exactly what he was told to do.

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Freedom goes hand in hand with restraint - Daily Nation