“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Galatians 5:13
Freedom is a word that we use a lot, especially in America. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, etc. are all common phrases in our culture. No matter which context it’s used in, freedom comes with a certain level of choice and a high level of responsibility.
Paul touches on this though in the fifth chapter of Galatians. He says that we have been called to freedom, but that with that freedom comes a choice. It can be used selfishly, for the desires of our flesh, or it can be used to love and to serve. It’s a choice that we face every day. It’s a constant battle. We may not even realize it, but we are always making choices just like that. Unfortunately, many of us have become so calloused to it that we don’t even realize that most of our choices are in favor of ourselves, our own desires, our own flesh.
We have a huge measure of freedom in Christ. We are bound no longer by any law. We are not doomed by one failure. We have the promise of grace and forgiveness. Many fall into the trap of abusing these things, thinking that when they’ve had their fill of sin that pleases the flesh, they’ll simply return and be forgiven. The trouble is that sin never has its fill. Hence the trap.
You have the gift of freedom through Christ. You have the ability to choose what you do with it. You have the freedom to love him and serve him, or to love and serve yourself. Ironically, the only choice that leads to true freedom is to love and serve him and to love and serve others. Choosing sin is a trap that leads to slavery and death. It’s a cycle that can only be broken with Christ.
You were called to freedom. Don’t waste it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the freedom that you have given us. Thank you for the price that Jesus paid for that freedom. I pray that we will use it to love and serve you and your people rather than ourselves. Let us not become slaves to sin, but rather be set free by the grace of Christ.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Add Comment