For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 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 5:1, 13)
When I think of the word “freedom” I find that my mind has a very American, rather than a biblical understanding, of that word.
To me, freedom means throwing off anything that constrains and doing whatever pleases me! Free to read a book, free to not cook tonight, free to let the grass grow longer, free to ignore anything that I do not feel like doing!
Likewise it means free to pick and choose the efforts that I will pusue to win the approval of others. In short, freedom is a word that translates in my mind to being all about me!
This Galatians passage presses me to think new thoughts about freedom. What kind of freedom did Christ have in mind when He freed me?
• freedom from thinking I could save myself through self effort
• freedom to risk all on Christ rather than being self-protective
• free to rest in the gift of grace
• freedom from senseless pursuits that have no lasting benefit
• freedom from fear of failure
• freedom to love God with all my heart
• freedom from believing that my sin defines me
• free to see my identification in Christ
• freedom from people pleasing
• free to pursue whatever pleases God
• free to make commitments that last into eternity
• freedom from wasting the gift of time
• free to serve — especially those whom God has brought near
• freedom to repent of rather than cover up sin• freedom from living in intimidation or insecurity
Galatians teaches me that a life of faith that does not increasingly free me in all these areas and more is a false faith.
Even more, it teaches me that what we do with our freedom is a clue to whether we have been set free or not!
If I use my freedom to pursue myself I have not been set free I am bound by my flesh.
If by God’s grace, I understand that my rebellion was interrupted that I might fulfill my destiny–that is made free to serve–I am free indeed!
Listen to the words of our Lord in John 13 after he stooped to wash the disciples feet:
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
John 13:15-16
Will you be free today? If so, I wonder who you will be serving?
During a study of Acts in the Fall, I was struck by the view of history that the early Christians like Peter and Paul expressed in their preaching. Often, they would recount the history of the Jews and highlight where they went astray–where they were diverted from the Living God.Â