Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)
Devotional Series: Calling
One of the saddest and probably most demonic distortions of the Christian faith (in my opinion) is the perception that it is a faith that is difficult, constraining, regulated and controlled. Why do I say that it is demonic? I call this lie demonic because as we read in today’s passage, Christ came into the world for precisely the very opposite of this falsehood. Christ has set us free for freedom!
Not only do we have to dispel and correct this myth amongst unbelievers but just as Paul instructs the Christians in Galatia, we too need to be weary of it creeping in and affecting how we live.
Galatians 5:7-8 - You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. (NLT)
Like me, you have probably created rules, regulations and standards outlining how a good Christian ought to behave. Maybe you have read a book about spiritual or physical disciplines and tried to implement them. But instead of these suggestions being guides or examples, of how we ought to live, we find ourselves trapped, bound, and feeling guilty about ourselves, contradicting what Christ has done for us on the cross. Worst still, sometimes we impose our new set of rules on others. Causing them to feel guilty and in some extreme cases turn away from Christ.
Today’s devotional reminds us that this is not why we were set free. Christ came for us to walk in freedom not rules. There is grace for us to do our best and walk alongside the Holy Spirit. Our call to freedom is not so that we live in sin or satisfy our own desires. We are free so that we can serve others with love.
Galatians 5:13 - For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (NLT)
Questions for reflection: Do I walk in the freedom Christ has given me? Do I often feel guilty or hold myself to a standard I can never meet? Have I imposed my rules on others? Do I need to repent for imposing my rules on others? Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me walk in freedom so that I can serve and love others?
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