Freedom is External and Internal

There are what we call the "Two 2's of Freedom." The first two is the reality that freedom is internal and external. The second two is, freedom is responsible or irresponsible. 

Those two thoughts summarize critical insights about freedom. Even though freedom sounds simple, most people, including me, find it difficult to practice that summary. 

Radically Different Relationships

When freedom is used responsibly, it is a radically different way to live. Unless you accept the reality of freedom and choice, you will usually react to and be controlled by situations like a mouse to cheese. And, just as important, you forget that other people have choices too. When you forget or ignore their freedom, you will attempt to force or manipulate others into choosing what you want.

For example, a wife, of course, does not want her husband making bad decisions. So, she may think that complaining about each bad decision, multiple times, will cause him to do better. When he ignores or refuses to accept her input, she will get more forceful. Why? She wants to prevent the mistakes he is making because those mistakes also hurt her. That is what makes sense to her – and most people!

Freedom, Not Control, Is Best

But freedom helps her see choices instead of trying to control him. She could choose to offer her insight without complaining when he makes a decision without her input, even if it is a bad one. Another option would be what God states in 1 Peter 3:1: choose to remain silent, a no-words strategy.

Unfortunately, we believe that is a flawed strategy, even though it is what God’s Word says.

Why are those other options not considered? FEAR! She, like us, makes life about herself – her ME starts flashing, driven by the possibility or probability of bad things happening. Control then seems to be the only reasonable option, because otherwise, bad things will happen unless she steps in.

That is a common issue in relationships! However, God asks us to relate to one another differently.

Please search for the many blogs, podcasts, and videos that GR8 Relationships has covering the topic of freedom. For starters, consider this one: Responsible Freedom or Irresponsible Freedom.