Shouting fire in a crowded theater

Freedom can be abused. It can go too far. In Schenck v. USA, Charles Schenck was being tried for printing and distributing materials against the American military Draft in World War I. In the decision, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes famously wrote, "The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. [...] The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent."


This decision was based on the idea that freedom can only go so far before it becomes dangerous to others and, eventually, abuse.

Einstein - Everyone is a genius

"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid." -A. Einstein.

This is a great illustration of the value of every person, and would be well-used in any sermon about spiritual gifts or Christ being one body composed of many parts.