Sunday, July 5, 2002
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Sunday, July 5, 2002 |
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What to do with all this freedom? By DR. KNOX HERNDON What a joy to get to write this article on Independence Day 2002. It will be submitted on Thursday, and you will see it on Sunday. Since 9/11, I, and probably you, have been thinking a lot about the world situation in which we find ourselves as a Nation. This idea of freedom which allows any and everyone to basically do whatever they want to is actually scary if you think about it. Naturally one has to obey the laws of the land and in most cases they are good laws. Even if a law turns out to be a bad law, there is a procedure to get it changed. I have lived almost a third of my life overseas and seen a fair part of the world. Everywhere I have traveled, I have noticed that most people in the world have some very basic needs and desires. No matter where you go whether it be the industrialized western "European" cultures or Asian or African or South American, Mid-Eastern, or Far Eastern cultures, people want the same things. In other words even if a family lives in a houseboat on a mud flat or in a mansion, the basics needs of life are the same. Remember your high school social science classes when you were taught about "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?" Brother Maslow basically said that no matter who you are or from what culture you come, there are basic needs that one must possess for "self actualization" to be accomplished. These items are food, water, clothing, shelter, etc., on up the "Hierarchy of Needs" scale until you, after getting these basic needs met, want to produce something with your life like creating something. It's like putting "your print" on this old world. Since America allows and even encourages people to "self actualize" their dreams that is why most people in the world would like to live here. In many cases that is why the lists are long for people wanting to immigrate to America. On the other hand that is why the Bin Laddens of this world hate us. They do so because they spend their misguided and sick lives attempting to control everyone. They don't believe a minute that "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" should be met for anyone but a small group of male, Nazi mentality control freaks like themselves. You can usually tell how sick or off-base a religion is, whether it be Christianity, Muhammadanism, Hinduism, or Judaism as to how they treat their women. That is one of the many things I love about Jesus of Nazareth and true Christianity (notice I said "true" Christianity). Jesus liberated women. He broke a long standing Judaic practice by even talking to the woman at the well from another culture and who was not Jewish. Then we have the first "post-resurrection" Gospel message after the resurrection was preached to Mary Magdalene at the garden tomb. The angel said "go tell the disciples." He didn't say "go find a man" to tell the disciples. In fact the disciples heard it first from a woman. Don't you think that Jesus did that for a purpose? I do. What do we do with all this freedom? Our freedoms were not given to us to do wrong or as a liberty to sin. The scriptures say in Galatians 5:13, "For you brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Your liberties and mine were given not so that you or I can just live the great ole sin-filled, lustful life, but to love God and serve one another. Have a God-filled, freedom-filled Fourth as you serve one another. Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor of "His House Community Church" (SBC). Rev. Greg Mausz is Sr. Assoc. Pastor. Dr. Lydia Herndon is the Sunday School Superintendent, Bible study coordinator and teacher. The church has moved to the new location just below Fayetteville, on GA. Highway 85. As you leave Fayetteville going South on Highway 85, you cross Highway 16, at the Senoia intersection. It is a mile on the right just below the fire station. If you are not in a church, come visit us. Church office and Prayer line (770)-719-2365 E-Mail KHERN2365@aol.com
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