Set Free

"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" (Galatians 5:1).

Luther, Wesley, Augustine, and others, summed up the Christian walk of faith: "Love God, Live Life." Is this not what our Savior spoke, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. all the Law and the Prophets hang on these tow commandments""The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Matthew 22:37-40). (Galatians 5:6b).

Following Jesus' commands gives freedom, freedom from fear caused by a life of sin. No worries about a D.U.I., or contracting one of the many venereal diseases by improper sex outside of marriage. No worries about how the household goods, and money, the time with children on weekend visits, the hassles about who and when the children will be present for holidays, due to divorce. These acts do not bring freedom only slavery: "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, (Gr. porniea = Eng. Porn.) impurity (uncleanliness) and debauchery (Gr. aselgeia = lewdness) idolatry, (anything we put before our God) and witchcraft (Gr. Sorcery = looking for answers with palm readings, seeking the dead, etc.) discord, jealousies, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).  Wait a minute, what did Paul write? "that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God" I want to be in the kingdom of God, How about You?

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature: rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5:13-14).  There is freedom in Christ, for joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are are portion. "Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:23b).  "Each one should test his won actions..." (Galatians 6:4a).

Go and live life, enjoy what God has created, enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, enjoy your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be free, live by the Spirit and be really and truly free. Carry the message of the Good News, that no one has to be enslaved under a yoke of sin, that all can have this freedom and more; eternal life with God. All will see your good works and come to praise God, or not (what do others see in us?)! May our lives give proof of the new creation formed in us through the power of the Holy Spirit when we accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our life.  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6: 9-10).

Daily Prayer:

Father thank you for the freedom You have given to me. May I never misuse this freedom, and when I have not walked according to Your will please forgive me and teach me to walk in Your ways. My desire is to live for You, to represent You while I am here on this earth so that others may see you and come to faith in You.
                                                                                                                                   Amen