Free to be myself

Lock-down, jail sentence, discrimination, violence, oppression, bondage, capture, dictatorship, pass laws. What do all these have in common? A lack of freedom. And who does not want to be free? All South Africans share the desire to be free. In fact, so much so, that we have fought and struggled for the right to be free for centuries in this country. We defend our freedom fervently, we demand it from our government daily. Because life without freedom is just jail on a grand scale.

Freedom removes the chains that prevent us from excelling to who we can be and want to be. We desire freedom

From not being discriminated against. All of us are equal and must be treated equally. No one is allowed to discriminate against me because of my race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language or birth.
Of religion – to worship whom and what I feel deserves it, to practice my religion the way I believe is correct
From violence and abuse
From slavery
Of speech – I would like to have an opinion (provided I do it with respect) without being told by government I cannot
Of movement – I would like to go or live where I want without being forbidden
Of association – I can have relationships with whom I want
To do with my money and assets as I please
From imprisonment without good reason, from scrutiny (or the right to privacy), of demonstration, to political rights, of occupation, to access information

Having said this, I must accept that I cannot be absolutely free – my freedom must be in balance with the freedom of others. Only when my right to freedom is balanced with that of other South Africans can we all enjoy maximum freedom in peace. This balance is defined and governed by laws based upon the Constitution of which the Bill of Rights is a part.

There is another freedom which we all desire. Freedom of punishment for my sins, freedom from my demons and my hang-ups. This freedom is given by Christ.

If the Son gives you freedom, you are free! John 8:36 CEV
And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” John 8:32 AMP
My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. Galatians 5:13 CEV

You and I share, amongst other values, the value of freedom. It is a value all South Africans share. Freedom enables us to be fully ourselves. To be as creative, original and productive as we can be. I must defend my freedom with all my might.

South Africans can be proud of the freedom that our Constitution and our faith in Christ provides us. We are one in our shared value of freedom.