The Pulpit Speaks: July 14, 1962

An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown.

“For he looked for a city whose Maker and Builder was God.” — Hebrews 11:10

INDEPENDENCE

A few days ago, we celebrated the Fourth of July. We say “celebrated” because that is what most do instead of “observe.”

But as one thinks in terms of this observation, he simultaneously thinks of freedom and independence. In short, that is what we observe. History reveals that man is just an independence-seeking organism. There has never been an area or era in history when he has not been deeply engaged in a pursuit of independence.

Soon after he came on the scene, the serpent came to him and, knowing his nature, told him if he ate of that forbidden fruit, he could free himself of ignorance. That was what sent Adam, the first man, down to defeat. But Adam was acting on an impulse that is in every normal human beast: we all want to be free. Our every effort is toward escaping from the bounds that tend to enslave us.

ISRAEL’S BONDAGE

The children of Israel stood Egyptian bondage as long as they could but a time came when slavery was no longer popular or possible. They began to pray. God reached down and prepared one of the greatest diplomats the world has ever known. Time and time again he tried to soften Pharaoh’s heart in the interest of the salvation and freedom of these people of God, but Pharaoh’s heart would harden instead. Eventually, God Himself stepped in and independence resulted.

The latest victims of slavery cried out. “… and before I be a slave, I’ll be buried in my grave, and go home to my Lord and be free!” Only the sick can be enslaved. The man who allows himself to be enslaved by appetite of habit is a sick man. He should have control over things and not be controlled by them.

BORN REBELS

A little baby will rebel against restraints. Tender years or months tell him that he ought to be free. The older he gets, the more intense becomes this idea of freedom.

Ofttimes, in the pursuit of freedom or independence, man reaches the point of explosion. He can no longer be enslaved, and that which can otherwise find no means of expression comes out in the vilest terms. But man just wants to be free.

There are points at which man can be stopped but those who really want independence will not be stopped.

A man who wants to free himself from ignorance finds no sacrifice too great. A man who wants to free himself from economic bondage works day and night until his goal is reached. A man who wants to free himself of the various stigmas of life forgets himself and the physical price attached thereto and works until such freedom is gained.

The old Psalmist said, “I will not be content until my soul rests in Thee.” When it comes to freedom and independence, man thinks only in terms of the ultimate. There is no middle ground. He wants to be free or else! This is the point in man’s behavior at which there is no stopping.