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Freedom to Choose

Responsible decision-making implies the presence of two kinds of freedom.  External freedom enables us to act without undue restraint or control of another. Internal freedom, on the other hand, comes from within. It is the state of mind and spirit which enables us to achieve our full human potential.  

Here are three situations where external freedom is present.  Thus, the situation is present where you can choose to act in a way that will enable you to grow as a human person, a child of God with dignity.  How would you exercise your freedom?

1. Your father and mother have gone out of town.  Your brothers and sisters are staying with relatives.  You will remain home alone.  Your parents have instructed you not to have any friends over.  What would you really do?

2. You work in an ice cream shop.  Store policy is that employees are allowed one sundae or its equivalent every night they work.  They may not give free ice cream treats to friends.  However, as the store owner is rarely there, it is impossible for the employees to be monitored.  What would you really do?

3. The night before an important game against a rival school, your best friend asks you to go out with her.  Your coach told you to be in bed by 9 p.m.  You know your friend will want to stay out much late than that.  What would you really do?