The word “freedom” is frequently used, sometimes shouted in anger, in our society. There are many dimensions and meanings to that word and it frequently is used to justify license. The passage from the Letter of James highlights the inner lack of true freedom that robs us of peace. Freedom can be internal or external, positive (empowered to do something – “free for”) or negative (“free from”). Positive internal freedom is discipline, integrity, and the ordering of our desires and powers to what is genuinely good for ourselves and others.
James cites “passions which make war within your members” as a lack of internal freedom which disrupts our lives and the lives of others. License is the counterfeit of freedom, acting with disregard for external restraints yet subject to slavery by our impulses. One can act as if one is the absolute arbiter of right and wrong. This in fact is the real sin of the Adam and Eve – figuratively eating of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Jesus has come to free us from slavery to sin and bring us inner peace with ourselves and peace with one another. In light of this, are we truly a “free” society? Giving full vent to anger as we do, are we not slaves to our passions? Do not our discord and violent words and actions demonstrate that we are very much slaves to our individual passions? Does not our stubborn insistence on seeking our own wants instead of the common good show our lack of true freedom? Jesus calls us to follow Him to genuine freedom and life. Only His Truth can make us free.
