Each year, approximately 600,000 people complete serving their prison sentence and are released into society. They are free. Free from life behind bars. But free to...what?
That is the question that faces Christ followers. We know that we are free from life's baggage. We know we're free from rules. We know that we are heirs of the promise. But an important question remains. We're free to...what?
As we turn to Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Paul begins by recognizing some of the potential dangers of living free.
He admits that living free can turn out to be more dangerous than living in slavery. And it's true, many people find themselves identifying with the Israelites after the Exodus, complaining about the challenges of their freedom. To this concern, Paul says, "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (v.1).
He admits that freedom may destroy a sense of community. The tendency of the flesh is to pursue our own interests and desires, oblivious to the common good. To this concern, Paul says, "Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature" (v. 13).
He admits that freedom can translate into moral relativism. After all, in the absence of law, how do we develop a responsible ethic. To this concern, Paul says, "the acts of the sinful nature are obvious" (v. 19-21).
It's true, freedom brings potential dangers, but the dangers can be avoided. How? Paul says, "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (v. 16).
Did you notice the promise there? Those who go on living by the prompting and power of the Holy Spirit don't have to worry about the sinful nature. Instead, they will produce far different characteristics (vv. 22-23).
Living by the Spirit overcomes the potential dangers of freedom. But the question remains...free to...what?
Paul gives us the answer to that, too. "We are free to serve one another in love" (v. 13b).
How are you doing?
No comments:
Post a Comment