Yesterday I wrote about being set free, and confronted the question, “Free from what?” We are free from sin and all sin’s influence in every part of our lives. “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” [John 8:31-32 NLT]
But in addition to being set free “from what,” we are also set free “to what.” “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. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” [Galatians 5:13-14 NLT]
The freedom Christ Jesus brings to us has both a negative and positive influence. In the negative we are released from sin and sin’s guilt, shame, condemnation and death. But we are not to misuse that freedom – using it to “indulge the flesh.”
The freedom Christ Jesus brings to us also has a positive influence. We are set free to “serve one another humbly in love.”
We have traded slavery to sin for freedom to be joyful and willing servants of the LORD. We are to love others with the same love that Christ Jesus has for us. Living a life of joyful service is indeed freedom! Amen&Amen