The Price of Freedom
Posted on Friday, September 14th 2012 at 09:54 am
Have you watched the Hunger Games? The books have been huge best sellers with young adults. The authors premise is that after some unknown apocalyptic event North America comes under the rule of tyrannical elites and the masses are in poverty stricken districts where hunger is the way of life. The yearly "entertainment" consists of 2 people being chosen from each district to fight to the death (with the elites controlling the action and influencing the outcome) with those from other districts until one comes out victorious. These apocalyptic constructs generally allude to some cataclysmic event caused by war. Those of us that are Christians understand that the "end times" unravels quite differently and is precipitated by "birth pangs". But when I watched the Hunger Games I was struck with another notion. The idea of a tyrannical government controlling our lives and choosing winners and losers is not too far fetched. We seem very eager to give up the freedom that our forefathers fought for in exchange for the government taking care of us. Nearly half of Americans are dependant on government entitlements (food stamps, welfare, Medicare, Medicaid, social security etc.). Much of what the government does used to be done by families, neighbors or churches. We have given that up for the "security" of government. But, what if our government ceases to be "benevolent" and becomes tyrannical? Being free does involve personal responsibility coupled with compassion and service to those in need around us. That is the price of freedom.
Comments:
I agree. The American people have fallen for a lie. Sound familiar? It is our responsibility to communicate the truth and have faith it will have an impact. We stop doing that when we don’t see the impact. This reveals our true motive is not to obediently tell the truth but to have an impact the we desire. Jeremiah would have been considered a failure with that premiss.
By Mike W. on 09/15/2012
Doug,
You make a good point! I like the way you made that comparison. Lean times make us come to terms with who our provider is. I believe the Lord wants to bless us in ways we can’t imagine if we will rest in trusting Him.
I am concerned with the influence those movies have on our youth especially since my grandkids “devoured” those books. I heard a great expression. Our children are our message to the future.
Jesus Rules,
Lily
By Lily Dolan on 09/14/2012