A Throughout history men and women have fought and given their lives for that precious commodity we call freedom. But what is freedom? The ability to do whatever you want?

B Well, within reason, I suppose.

A Whose reason? Yours, mine, the governments? Lets check the dictionary. What does Mr. Webster say?

B The absence of necessity, coercion or constraint in choice or action.

A Hum, interesting. The absence of necessity. So youre free if you have everything you need? You know, the basics, food, shelter, clothes. The absence of coercion. No one is forcing or pressuring you into anything. That means youre free to choose what to do. But then the picture gets broaderthe absence of constraint in choice or action. You can choose to do anything you want. There are no limitations on your choices. Sounds like were back to defining freedom as the ability to do whatever you want.

B No, that wont work. That kind of freedom can only happen in a lawless society and would result in chaos.

A Really? If freedom is the ability to do whatever you want, then doesnt it depend on what you want? If you want the right things, things that fall within the law and general acceptance of society, then you are free to choose whatever you want.

B Thats hogwash babble. What if my wants arent the right things?

A Then you should change them.

B Oh, I should change themjust like that. Its not that simple to change your wants.

A Sure it is. Theres really only one decision you have to make to make all your wants be the right wants. But lets go back to the first part of Websters definition the absence of necessity. Consider those necessities not just as material things. What about the necessity to feel loved and important? Most people are insecure to a degree and are motivated in their choices by those two needs. But if they have someone smarter and better than them that they could always count on to look out for them, they would feel more secure, right?

B Maybe, but where are you gonna find a person like that? He or she would have to love you unconditionally and know everything!

A Thats right.

B The onlyperson that fits that description isGod.

A Right again. You see freedom is about being free within yourself to make the right choices about whats going to be best for your individual life; for you to have the best life you can possibly have; one where youre secure, happy, and fulfilled. Freedom is really a state of mind then, or should I say a state of heart.