Jack’s Winning Words 1/8/20
“There are two freedoms…the false where one is free to do what he likes; the true where one is free to do what he ought.”  (Charles Kingsley)  A cartoon shows Moses holding the 10 Commandments and saying to God, “I posted these on Facebook and didn’t get any “likes.”  When it comes to the Commandments, do we obey them because we “like” them, or because we ought to do what God wants us to do?  I like to believe that God always wants what’s best for us.  ;-)  Jack

FROM NORM'S BLOG:  I suspect that, upon reading this quote, most immediately thought of the first example of freedom that the quote references. Indeed, it is that self-centered, self-righteous and uncaring definition of freedom to do whatever we like that is at the root of much of today’s political and social turmoil. The “freedom” that some proclaim they are seeking is really a form of anarchy, with little to no concern for the welfare of others. They say, “I’ve got my health care covered and I don’t care about you having none” or maybe, “I’ve got a home and food on the table. Go find your own place to live and food to eat, but don’t bother me.” That is not really freedom; it is a formula for the failure of a society.  

So, how is doing what one ought to do – caring for others, helping others, sacrificing for others – the real freedom?  It begins by first accepting Jesus into your life, as written in John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But, free to do what?We can see what we ought to be doing in the Bible in Galatians 5:14 -  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And, again in Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Maybe figuring out what we ought to be doing isn’t that hard after all. The hard part is letting go of the self-interest and self-centeredness that is so prevalent in our society today.  Freedom is not all about you doing whatever you want. It’s about you seeing what needs to be done to help others around you and taking what actions you can to provide that help. Maybe you are barely providing for your own family with what you make at work. You probably still have some spare time that you could use to help others. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, drive for Meals on Wheels, work in the local food bank sorting food or maybe stuffing food in backpacks for the local Blessings-in-a-Backpack program. There are tons of ways to help others available in any community.o what you ought to be doing and what you know is right. Start by embracing Jesus in your life and the rest will come naturally. Set yourself free.

FROM WALMART REV:  Your post brings me back to a Scripture I think often of-- (Romans 5:20 LT) "God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant." A little "bitter/sweet" piece of truth from Above! 

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Ooooh…how often do we feel “free” doing the right thing.  Ooooh…how often do we feel “free” doing the right thing.  Great food for contemplation as we face this tenuous situation in the middle east.===JACK:  The temptation is to apply this quote (and others) to someone else (POTUS, for example) when in truth, they are meant to be a mirror.

FROM ER:  I appreciated the way this winning word made me think twice.  Thanks!===JACK:  If it caused you to think twice, then it accomplished what I intended.  Your response caused this to pop into my mind..."Think twice; speak once."  That could solve some communication problems.