Freedom > Security

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

From “Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, 11 November 1755” by Benjamin Franklin

I remember years ago I had a friend. Okay I’ve had many friends over the years but I’m thinking of one in particular right now. Anyway, we were having a conversation one day and I asked him a question and his answer really surprised me.

The question I asked was this: “What is more important to you, freedom or security? His answer was quick and sure, “Security.”

For context I want you to know that this conversation took place in the mid 90’s. So there had not yet been 9/11, no war on terror, no department of Homeland Security. Nothing like that at all. We were walking down the street safe as could be yet he was thinking about security. I was truly shocked to hear this kind of sentiment come from an American. I mean really this is the land of the free and the home of the brave right? How could someone living in the most free most prosperous country ever be ready to trade any of that liberty for some small safety or security? I was not prepared to hear that then.

So fast forward to today. I’m still not prepared to hear it. I’m not ready to trade any freedom for security and I’m not ready to give up any liberty for safety. The Bill of Rights has served this nation well for 229 years and I don’t see any reason it can’t continue to serve today.

Our Declaration of Independence says this: “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”. But we have many politicians today that appear to think they are the power themselves. These elected officials seem to have forgotten that all of the authority they have comes from us. I feel like if I could sit down with one of them just as the meeting was starting I’d like to say, “Go fetch me a glass of water you work for me not the other way around.”

I know that would be disrespectful and the thought is unworthy of me but that’s where I am right now. My emotions are a mess. On one hand I’m angry that some bureaucrat is telling me I must wear a muzzle, but on the other I am filled with compassion for those who have impacted by the virus. I want to wear the mask to show my respect for their feelings. I saw my very dear friend in the store today. We always greeted one another warmly with a hug. But not today, no today it was a sad wave of longing for some human connection.

I don’t know how much longer I can take this. How long before a little subversion becomes something more? I know that I’m not alone in this. Please let me know how you are doing and what we can do to help each other.

Father God these are troubling times. I turn to you who alone are worthy of my worship. I know that during this period of sickness and unrest my behaviors and thoughts have not always been pleasing to you. Please forgive me. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for providing me a way to have a relationship with you through your Son, my Savior, Jesus. Please deliver to me the spiritual and emotional strength to be a good and pleasing witness for you and your Kingdom. Amen