Inner Freedom & External Freedom
In times when the hope is that social, political and religious freedom will soon become a reality, it is very easy to lose sight of the fact that inner freedom is far more important than external freedom. In fact, we may well say that only those who are truly free inside can handle the responsibilities of external freedom and protect themselves from the risks that it brings.
People who, through an intimate walk with God, had attained a high degree of inner freedom, proved able to keep their dignity even in prison, while others, though externally free, were in fact slaves of their fears and compromises.
External freedom is probably one of the hardest tests of our inner strength and spiritual maturity. We all like to think of ourselves as mature Christians, but many of us may have unpleasant surprises waiting for us when freedom comes.
We have seen Christians who were respected leaders under communism but very rapidly lost their reputations when freedom came because they were unable to overcome the temptations (material or otherwise) that came as a consequence of democracy.
We also believe that it is easier to be a Christian under oppression, when the choices are minimal and starkly polarised. In such times one can either be a Christian and pay a high price for it, or deny Christ and enjoy the benefits that this choice brings with it.
Under democracy, however, the choices are endless and the temptations much more attractive. Besides this, people can now choose from a multitude of possible positions in relation to faith and its implications for life.
The world of oppression is quite a simple one. The free world is overwhelmingly complex and we have to prepare well for it.
Persona 