True freedom is experienced only when one lives according to the recognition that they belong to God. Solomon was right to say, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity…For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it” (Proverbs 2:6-7, 21-22). Submission to God brings unique blessings. All other lifestyles and worldviews, while making grand promises and casting great visions of a life unchained to an invisible despot, leave the person enslaved to some other idol. Claiming to be free, one becomes a slave to such things as money, power, and sex.
Both commons sense and history tell us that there is such a thing as too much freedom. Mob mentality leads to an inability to distinguish between liberty and license. True freedom is not mere lack of restraint, but the masses do not seem capable of making the differentiation.
While he didn’t know the details of the God of Scripture, Plato believed, “it’s better for all to be ruled by what is divine and prudent…” If all were ruled by what is divine and prudent, men and cities would prosper and approach the utopian ideal of this ancient Greek thinker. Solomon agreed, but took matters even further:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (Proverbs 3:5-10)
The “best of men,” to use the terminology of Plato, have the strength to humbly submit to a sovereign God. Human flourishing comes with being ruled by the divine. Solomon would say that only when a person chooses to subjugate the self to the LORD are they truly free. True freedom is experienced only when one lives according to the recognition that they belong to God.
—Bart
