DISCUSSION:
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free;
therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
. . . For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom
into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the
whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that
you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5.1, 13-15
Paul was astonished at how quickly the
Galatian believers were giving up on the gospel he had brought. And it wasn’t
for an easier freedom; people were going back to being burdened with rules and
rituals. Paul’s message: the freedom bought by Christ’s blood must not be
forsaken so readily. It’s too precious! It’s a freedom designed to lead to
showing Christ’s love to others by humbly serving in whatever ways we are
gifted.
Living as people who are freed in
Christ, we’re called to walk the “narrow road,” avoiding the ditches of
legalism on one side and lawlessness on the other. Either ditch leads us
astray. Freed from sin’s yoke, we’re free to serve—showing Christ’s love! And
in doing so, we humbly honor God for the precious freedom we have in Christ.
When we serve one another in love,
we’re following Christ’s example and obeying his command (John 13:34). This can
include a willingness to literally go the extra mile and take someone to an
appointment. Or to mentor a teenager or teach Sunday school. Or to serve in
another way we are gifted. Fueled by grace, our freedom leads to serving others
gracefully. Led by God’s Spirit, we’ll find ways to express our freedom by
being a blessing. And in doing so, we too are blessed!
Seek to be humble today and lift up
those who are around you through your faith.