“Give me liberty, or give me death!” is a quite well-known quotation people often take to claim their own rights or freedom to do certain things. The government in a democratic country is also proud of itself to allow its citizens to enjoy freedom—freedom of speech, religion, stability, etc. At times we may not realize how precious freedom is until it is deprived of us.

What is freedom? Most dictionaries define it as the right or power given to a person to speak, act or think. The most broadly accepted definition of freedom is the liberty or freedom that does not violate others’ freedom, given by our founding father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. According to this definition, freedom has its own boundary or territory under which a person can exercise his/her power or right freely. Beyond that boundary a person will abuse freedom at the expense of others’ freedom and rights. So we should be careful to make use of our freedom, but not take advantage of someone else’s freedom.

In one sense Dr. Sun’s explanation of freedom enables people to behave properly and live peaceably. However it is only a pessimistic point of view, which is to discourage people from abusing or violating others’ rights. As followers of Christ we have a more optimistic perspective on freedom. Since we are set free by Christ, not through observance of the law but through the grace of his power, we have freedom or strength to do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). But how will we exercise our freedom? Paul in his letter to the Galatians told his brothers and sisters, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:11). Freedom in Christ Jesus is to enable Christians to serve people but not to gratify their needs and desires, so to speak to satisfy the sinful nature.

I’ve been often asked by non-Christians as they come to my house, “Why don’t you have a TV in your house? Are Christians not allowed to watch TV?” This type of question is like the question “Can Christians smoke or drink?” Paul put it clearly that we have been called to live in freedom; that freedom is to help us serve one another in love and let the name of God be glorified. Other than this, freedom can be misused.