Dangerous Freedom

January 1, 2002 - For years he had lived in a country whose rulers took a dim, even intolerant, view of Christianity. Now he lived in a country whose Christians lived in freedom and in relative comfort, and he was appalled. To him, these Christians seemed casual about their commitment, preoccupied with position and possessions, contaminated by the world. And he bluntly said so to a friend.

from Ruth Bell Graham

Some time later he visited his friend to whom he had stated his opinion about the Christians. He asked if his friend remembered his words and his bitter criticism. The friend remembered.

The man stood silent for a few moments, and the friend tensed for a second attack.

"I have come to apologize both for what I said and for the way in which I said it," he said simply. "I did not know how dangerous freedom could be for Christians. I have been here for a year now. And I am worse than those I criticized."

He paused in reflection; then he added a significant statement: "It is more difficult to live the Christian life under freedom than under repression."