Sermon On A Free Spirit

Martin Luther King Jr, an American minister of religion and activist once remarked: “Moral principles have lost their distinctiveness. For modern man, absolute right and absolute wrong are a matter of what the majority is doing.” Romans 13:1-7 reminds us: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.

For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

Ethics have been defined as fundamental beliefs and values that guide individuals' decisions and actions regarding what is considered right or wrong. It encompasses concepts like honesty, fairness, and respect. These circumscribe to a framework for understanding and navigating moral principle dilemmas, influencing how people interact with others and how they behave in society. Ideally, these should include a distinctive balance on the individual rulings of the heart and mind, as neither should be allowed to solely dominate. A free spirit however, may veer away from the accepted norm.

The general consensus of many may not be a unanimous affirmation, but is often considered as the acceptable belief or course of action. But is that always the correct approach? Should an alternative sometimes be considered? God repeatedly reminds us to love our neighbor, this should be regardless of race, class, color or creed. It includes all, those who might be deemed by some as the lowest of the low to the highest of the high.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a strong example highlighting the diversity between staid moral principles and a free spirit, particularly the beneficial re-evaluation of ethical principles. The parable, as told in the Gospel of Luke, emphasizes that helping those in need through compassion, concern or the love of fellow man regardless of background or social status, is a fundamental moral duty. It challenges preconceived notions about who one's "neighbor" is and highlights the importance of empathy and practical actions in demonstrating love. It focuses on the importance of need, truth and self-discovery. Luke 10:25-37 reminds us: And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

A personal comfort zone for many is considered a staid and congenial way of life that may or may not conform to traditional practices or ethics. It envelops security with peace of mind and requires little effort. However, comfort zones can create barriers to progression and achievement. It is only when one applies himself and steps outside of this realm that personal growth, increased confidence and a greater understanding of the world can emerge. Jack Canfield, an American author and motivational speaker once remarked: “The biggest rewards of life are found outside your comfort zone. Live with it. Fear and risk are prerequisites if you want to enjoy a life of success and adventure.”