1. Confirmation ceremonies come at a critical time in the individual’s life, representing the beginning of the transition from childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood. While in some ways childhood seems more “free” than adulthood because maturity brings with it responsibility to others, in fact, most teenagers will feel an increasing sense of independence and personal freedom as they get older. Therefore, it is important to convey a strong Christian message about what freedom means, the different types of freedom, and the pitfalls of too much (or the wrong kind of) freedom.Galatians 5:1, 13-18 encapsulates the Christian concept of freedom. In fact, Paul states, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Therefore, we can focus our attention on the core Christian value of freedom. Christ wants us to be free and urges us to always consider freedom as a fundamental goal. Freedom does not mean doing whatever we want, when we want it. On the contrary, what is often mistaken for freedom is really a form of spiritual or psychic slavery to desires, temptations, and sins.
Paul illustrates how there are many different types of freedom: there is the freedom from bondage to other human beings in any form:...
For example, Paul also states, “do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh,” (Gal 1:13). An adult is liberated from dependency on parents, and becomes not just a passive recipient of parental love but also a servant to Christ’s will. The young adult is also prepared to become a member of the Christian community and now has the freedom to “serve one another humbly in love,” (Gal 1:13).
Freedom also means respecting the freedom of others, and not inhibiting others. Romans 14:7-9 is instructive because it sets the moral precedence for tolerance and respect for diversity. The newly initiated member of the church learns to be part of a community, part of something bigger than themselves: “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone,” (Romans 14:7).
2. Teenagers will have variable responses to lessons on freedom, respect, and tolerance. Some will perceive their newfound responsibilities as budding adults as being burdensome…
