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Personal freedom is a blessing and a curse. As a blessing, it ennobles the human experience and empowers our creativity. Within the constraints of the material world and our personal history, we are free to create the lives we live.

One person chooses to invest the day with productive labor. Another person chooses to restore his creative powers through rest. Another uses his freedom to express his appreciation for someone he values through friendship.

Every day, every person receives a full measure of personal freedom.

But the blessing of freedom includes an irresolvable paradox. Freedom includes the curse of consequence. Personal choice changes the world. We hope our choices will serve our needs and make us happy. But sometimes the exercise of personal freedom leads to consequences we regret.

The blessing and the curse of freedom gives rise to risk. Will my choice lead to greater blessing? Or will it lead to hardship and struggle? And how will the choices I make today, impact the lives of others?

This fundamental question drives the Biblical narrative forward. Every story, from Book of Genesis to the Book of the Revelation to John, explores how people have used, and misused their freedom.

In today’s Old Testament reading the Lord informs Abraham that he is going to investigate the misuse of personal freedom in the Canaanite cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. An outcry has risen from people who are suffering from injustices not named in the text. The Lord goes in a spirit of judgment.

Abraham appeals to Lord. What if 10 righteous men are found in the cities? Would the Lord spare the cities for the sake of 10 righteous men?

The Lord readily agrees. He will spare the cities if he can find 10 men who use their freedom wisely.

The Biblical narrative understands the word righteousness as personal freedom in service to the purposes of God. God intends blessing. When our freedom results in harm, we generate the curse.

What is the point of this story? Does it demonstrate the willingness of God to spare the wicked on behalf of the righteous? Does it demonstrate the power of prayer? The Lord listens to Abraham’s appeal and responds with grace. He grants every one of Abraham’s requests.

Or does the story demonstrate the naiveté and sentimental nature of Abraham? Abraham may have walked away from this encounter believing he has spared the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

But the question remains: Will the Lord find 10 righteous men? Would the Lord find 10 righteous men in Ashburn?

Such is the challenge of personal freedom.