Galatians 5:1, 13-25
1 For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
“… 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. …”
Paul understood that true freedom isn’t doing anything you want. True freedom allows you the opportunity to become a servant to others. Instead of self-indulgence, narcissism, and self-aggrandizement, the ability to help, serve, and empower others the true freedom Jesus offers.
Unfortunately, too many see this God-given freedom as a license to oppress, abuse, and ridicule other human beings. “I can do what I want to whomever I want” becomes their mantra. This isn’t freedom. It is simply self-centeredness. Those who practice such selfishness often become bullies, authoritarians, and tyrants.
Jesus calls us to a different life. He gives us the freedom through the Gospel so that we can live in service and commitment to others. Rather than selfishness, freedom inspires selflessness. Loving others becomes our way of life. Freely sharing, joyfully giving, and graciously caring reveal the freedom we have.
“For freedom Christ has set us free,” Paul writes. May your lives reflect the true freedom God has given us through Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Almighty God, through Christ You have set us free. Help me to see the freedom You give as an opportunity to show love and express service to others. Amen.