I am always intrigued by the fact that people so desire "freedom" and then go to such lengths to enslave themselves to that which could not possibly provide what they so desire. My reaction is mixed. I see both negative and positive effects. In this post, I'll only address the negative.
On one side I am saddened by the solution that is often advised. Merely treat the symptoms. Address the "feelings." There's no concern for the root of the problem. It's as though someone is sitting on a nail. They realize very quickly that they are in pain. And so they go searching for help.
Their first counsel is to try to forget that they are sitting on a nail and so they go through a wide range of "escape" methods. Some are as seemingly innocuous as getting hooked on the latest tv drama, movie, or book series. Anything that shows a life better (or worse) than their own that allows them to become so acquainted with, so familiar with that they feel like they are a part of the narrative seems to offer a brief respite from whatever fear or pain they feel unable to face in reality. While these have few physical repercussions, the covetousness of the neighbors' wife, property, or life, albeit fictional, opens the door for an incipient idolatry. Other escape methods are not so mild. These include adultery (although a physical relationship may never result), pornography, or other immoral behaviors. The inevitable result is that instead of being free of the shackles of pain from the "nail" they are sitting on, they have, at best, exchanged one nail for another. Or worse. Often they have not been freed, or even changed the source of their pain, but have only added more pain. Now, they not only have the original pain from sitting on the nail, but have shackled their feet as well.
The second option is similar. Instead of trying to forget the nail is there, some will simply try to eliminate or mask the pain or discomfort that the nail produces. This often involves medication-some prescribed by doctors, [Please do not misread me and think that I am categorically opposed to the use of medicine to treat scientifically and medically diagnosed physiological diseases or disorders] while some is self-prescribed, i.e. alcohol, drugs, etc. However, what is obvious to the observer, although it may not be noticed by the one actually sitting on the nail is that the nail is still present. It is still inflicting pain to the person even if their nerves are too dull to feel it.
The third option is perhaps the most difficult. I believe in American culture, among nonbelievers, this is the least common "solution". Perhaps because it is the most difficult. And yet among American Christians, this is the solution du jour. This option is what I'd call "Grin and bear it." While this could be expounded greatly and will likely be addressed later with greater detail I will describe it here simply. Tough it out. Because the nail seems too great or too deeply imbedded, it shall simply be left alone. It's one's duty however, too accept the pain, and develop mental, emotional, or behavioral ways to "manage" the pain. Even though the hurting person is well aware of the nail, no one else can know that the nail is there. A fake smile is plastered on while pain and bitterness dwell just below the surface. Manipulation, self-control, and personal "toughness" or self-righteousness are often the means for obtaining this "solution".
Now, others may suggest other methods, but I believe all methods save one are merely variations of these first three. My reasoning is that except for one method all other methods do not address the source of the problem--the nail.
In sum, the negative effect of pursuing freedom is two fold: it involves a sinful process such as idolatry, adultery, coveteousness or others and it does not produce the results it seeks. It does not grant freedom. It only enslaves.
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