“Freedom requires self-control,” is a quote my wife read somewhere recently. So, true, so true…

Think of all the liberties taken from us because people do not exercise self-control.

Being the traveler that I am, airport security is the first example I thought of. Because a small group of people haven’t exercised control over anger and hatred toward others and the intent to kill through bombing airplanes, the freedom of walking onto a plane without being physically examined for explosives has been lost.

Teens often have liberties taken from them by their parents because they failed to demonstrate self-control.

Financial decisions swayed by greed and excess want often lead to constraining budget conditions that feel like imprisonment.Freedom takes many different forms. The freedom to be healthy, strong, and active is a precious gift. But if thought is allowed to be dominated by belief in disease, fear, worry, resentment, anger or hate, that freedom may become a distant memory.

Freedom requires self-control—control of the mortal ego! Ego with a little “e” needs to be subdued to Ego with the Big “E”!

As the passions of mortal mind are conquered—selfishness, pride, greed, lust, carelessness, and malice—freedom to be all that God created one to be grows larger and larger.

Indulgence in selfish motives and aims is not freedom, but bondage.

Humbly serving God and reflecting the divine nature, free of selfishness, is heavenly, and brings more of heaven here to earth.

Exercise liberal portions of self-control today, and live free!