Lesson 4: Using Freedom, Time, and All Things for God
“Every part of his life as a matter of holiness” A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, p. 38.
1. Lack of Occupation Requires Intentional Purpose
Doctrine: Without necessary work, individuals must actively choose how to live well.
Key Idea:
When life is not structured by necessity, it must be guided by deliberate, thoughtful decisions toward good and meaningful actions.
Supporting Text Ideas:
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Must constantly choose the best actions
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Not left to follow personal desires
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Freedom requires active discipline
Theological Principle:
There is no division between sacred and ordinary life — a purposeful life must be intentionally chosen, especially when external structure is absent.
2. Greater Freedom Requires Greater Responsibility
Doctrine: Those with more freedom, time, and resources are under greater obligation to live fully for God.
Key Idea:
Freedom from necessity does not permit idleness but demands a higher level of intentional, devoted living.
Supporting Text Ideas:
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Those with more are required to do more
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Freedom increases obligation, not relaxation
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More talents = greater accountability
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Theological Principle:
God judges according to what has been given; privilege requires increased dedication and responsibility.
3. Living by Reason Is a Divine Duty
Doctrine: Human beings are required to live according to reason, which reflects God’s design.
Key Idea:
Acting irrationally, wastefully, or carelessly is not minor—it is a violation of one’s nature and of God’s intention.
Supporting Text Ideas:
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Acting against reason is acting against nature
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Reason is given to guide all actions
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Unwise living is rebellion against God
Theological Principle:
To live rightly is to live according to reason, because reason aligns human behavior with God’s order.
4. Freedom Should Lead to Higher Standards, Not Lower
Doctrine: Freedom should lead to greater excellence, not indulgence or laziness.
Key Idea:
Living without responsibility should not produce idleness or pleasure-seeking, but a more disciplined and elevated way of living.
Supporting Text Ideas:
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Compared to higher spiritual examples (like angels)
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Freedom calls for higher imitation of good
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Must avoid wasting time or indulging in vanity
Theological Principle:
True freedom is fulfilled through disciplined, purposeful, and meaningful living.
Applicable Reflections
Self-Examination Questions:
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Am I using my time and opportunities fully, or wasting them?
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Do I treat some parts of my life as less important or less meaningful?
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Are my decisions guided by purpose and reason, or by habit and convenience?
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If I compared my life to a higher standard, would it reflect growth or complacency?
Spiritual Application:
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Use your time with purpose:
Treat every moment as valuable and avoid wasting time carelessly. -
Remove divisions in your life:
Apply your values consistently in everything, not just in important moments. -
Act thoughtfully and intentionally:
Make decisions based on reason and long-term purpose, not impulse. -
Aim higher than the norm:
Base your standards on excellence and growth, not what is common or easy.
What does Law have to say?
"When, therefore, you are guilty of any folly, or extravagance, or indulge any vain temper, do not consider it as a small matter, because it may seem so if compared to some other sins but consider it, as it is acting contrary to your nature, and then you will see that there is nothing small that is unreasonable because all unreasonable ways are contrary to the nature of all rational beings, whether men or Angels : neither of which can be any longer agreeable to God, than so far as they act according to the reason and excellence of their nature."
A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, p. 54.