In many places, democracy contributes to much of the freedoms we have. Where we work, what we eat, what things we own and how we live in our homes… the list goes on. Though as we think about these freedoms, most of them are somehow related to material aspects of our lives.

Look then at another way of viewing freedom…. freedom of negativity… freedom of tension… freedom to contemplate.

In biblical times, the prophet Jesus of Nazareth was to some considered a Revolutionary. Someone who spoke out against the oppression and treatment of humanity. Who taught about love and compassion as the key to life. To many this intense and dangerous bit of knowledge was a turning point for the future of many civilizations around the world.

His teachings were risky and basically went against the religious and political beliefs around him. But this “good” tension was needed in order to make change in a very dangerous and tyrannical time. Like biblical times, conversations such as this are needed today. Conversations to open dialog, teach and begin an understanding or enlightenment.

In our society, people are more and more willing to sit back and watch when something bad happens, or worse, use these situations to their own benefit. We want to mind our own business instead of taking a small risk and making a difference in someone else’s life. We have no issue walking by a homeless person everyday on our way to buy our $6.00 cup of morning coffee. Or complain when we cannot get the latest I-phone when many kids in school do not even have access to the technology they need for their education.

We typically avoid conversations on topics that others may not agree with, as this may lead to a conflict, or even worse one of us may be influenced. Or it is possible that we may even begin to see not everything is as one sided as we thought.

The beauty of freedom allows for us to speak, to listen and to learn from each other with open minds. To challenge each of us to see what is actually good and what is not.

How am I living? What kind of life or example do I lead? Do I make a difference in someone’s life that doesn’t directly benefit me?

What choices do I make? And what type of consequences do I create from my choices and actions?

An unexamined life is not worth living, as this simple act of contemplation helps each of us to differentiate what is good and evil. This “good tension” keeps us on our toes and focused on how our life, thoughts, actions and knowledge can help better all of our lives.