“Our forefathers left us a free government which is a miracle of faith–strong, durable, marvelously workable. Yet it can remain so only as long as we understand it, believe in it, devote ourselves to it, and when necessary, fight for it.” –J. Edgar Hoover
“No free government or blessing of liberty can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue, and by frequent reference to fundamental principles.” –Patrick Henry
I read a person remark that we deserve to be born with complete freedom. Several little questions came to my mind. First, says whom? Second, why should all people be born in freedom? Third, did someone have to pay the cost? I get tired of people making almost mundane statements without considering what they are saying.
Take this idea of entitlement. What in the world does that really mean? Entitled to what? Education, jobs, a free lunch? Those who make such statements have not figured out that nothing is ever free. I had a student several years back from Helsinki. He said we have clean streets, we have medical, we have free college–then he added, but it is not really free. We also have some of the highest taxes in the world. I wonder what will happen if today’s college students get free education and then go to work. What will they be paying in taxes twenty years after graduation?
Another thing not remembered is the price that has been paid for freedom. Sacrifice in blood, sweat, and tears. Years given by men and women to serve this country to give us what we have. Maybe we should say there is an entitlement for them to sacrifice before they can enjoy the benefits.
There is a cost–look at the words of Henry. There are requirements if freedom is to be maintained. Where does this country now stand in regard to the character he mentioned? And the Christian; the only reason he has an entitlement to eternal salvation is because of the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Freedom, spiritual and physical depends upon sacrifice.
“Therefore, a curse consumes the earth. Its people must pay the price for their sin. They are destroyed by fire, and only a few are left alive.” –Isaiah 24:6 (NLT)