Galatians 5:1 – So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Today, as I was reading within the book of Galatians chapters 4 and 5, I read this particular verse in chapter 5:1: "So Christ has truly set us free."
The sad reality is that although many of us would be quick to endorse this declaration of the apostle Paul, few truly submit to its significance. I'm afraid so many of us as Christians declare our freedom only to eventually to then walk in the rules of good and bad, without making us much different than the Pharisees of old.
I know we could all think of examples. It is the idea that "once I am free, I'm required to do what's right to be worthy". To work towards sinning no more. Which is absolutely correct. But it is not the foundation of whether we are free or in bondage.
Our freedom resides in Christ. It is the foundation that everything else is built upon. Our freedom cannot be taken from us by any other party or entity. No one, and I mean no one, can separate us from the love of Christ. That is our freedom. Even when we stray or err in our ways, we are not separated from His love. That doesn't end our freedom.
What it can do is cause us to live as though we are no longer free. We venture off into our own rules and regulations, whether man-made or from the laws of the Old Testament, and we find ourselves in a state of mind which is something far from the freedom of Christ.
Todays, wherever you find yourself on life's journey, know your freedom doesn't depend upon your performance, as it has already been purchased by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
Today, lift your eyes to heaven, declare your freedom, then walk in the steps of Christ's love. No matter what you do though, you will stumble almost every day. And, no, that does not disengage you from the love of Christ. It only means you need to say, "Lord, forgive me," and then, without shame, move forward with a state of mind and soul that acknowledges "I'm on a journey to be Christ-like in all I say, do, feel, and declare." Only then can you focus so that you do not live in the guilt of your shortcomings but rather in the freedom that you are covered in the love of God.
Stay healthy and have a blessed weekend!
~Dean Burnetti
No comments:
Post a Comment