Freedom. The word evokes emotion. The United States was established on the principle of freedom. The Declaration of Independence captures the American spirit…what it was and what it can be. For anyone who has ever served in the military, there is a unique bond that exists among those who have defended it. But as the saying goes, freedom has never been nor ever will be free. As Christians, we often take for granted the freedom that we have gained through Christ. License versus legalism is often a topic of discussion. Does the freedom we have in Christ give us the license to do whatever? The answer is obviously no, it does not. But then there is the opposite, and that is becoming so legalistic that our lives become focused on works and earning our salvation. In both extremes we become pretty useless in furthering the gospel. There is a balance, and Paul writes about it on more than one occasion. He writes in verse 13 of Galatians 5, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
With freedom, comes responsibility, and nothing could be truer when applying this to our walk with Christ. We are no longer bound by the law of the Old Testament, as Christ is the fulfilment of the law. Christ says in Luke 20:22 “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Through his death on the cross, we have the freedom to no longer be a slave to sin by accepting Christ as our Savior, or we can choose to reject him and face an eternity separated from him. If we do accept Christ as Savior, we then must recognize that freedom means daily we must choose whether to serve him or not. Meaning God is not controlling our lives like a chess piece, but rather lays the options before us, giving us the freedom to choose which option. It is always more gratifying to serve out of desire rather than compulsion. “Choose you this day, whom you will serve.” The freedom to serve is one of the greatest privileges of the Believer. May we choose wisely.
With freedom, comes responsibility, and nothing could be truer when applying this to our walk with Christ. We are no longer bound by the law of the Old Testament, as Christ is the fulfilment of the law. Christ says in Luke 20:22 “In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Through his death on the cross, we have the freedom to no longer be a slave to sin by accepting Christ as our Savior, or we can choose to reject him and face an eternity separated from him. If we do accept Christ as Savior, we then must recognize that freedom means daily we must choose whether to serve him or not. Meaning God is not controlling our lives like a chess piece, but rather lays the options before us, giving us the freedom to choose which option. It is always more gratifying to serve out of desire rather than compulsion. “Choose you this day, whom you will serve.” The freedom to serve is one of the greatest privileges of the Believer. May we choose wisely.