For Freedom

It is for freedom that you have been set free.

It always get confused when I read this part of Galations 5:1 becuase I don't understand how for freedom's sake we have been set free. But if you read other translations, it starts to make more sense. We have not been set free for freedom's sake but by and because of the freedom found through the Cross. We are not set free by our own doing, but because Christ died once and for all on the Cross, thereby releasing those who are called by His name from the bondage to the law. We are set free by this freedom. And we are told to stand fast in this freedom. For if we falter, what are we?

If we accept Christ's freedom, but then run back to our old ways of slavery to sin and death, we are worthless. Who, after being set free, would run back to their abusive master? But it's a struggle. That abusive master is also very alluring. He promises great things, but at what cost? But no, for freedom, you have been set free, so that you don't have to submit to the law anymore. Freedom was given freely to us. We don't have to submit to the law of sin and death anymore. Does that hit home? Do you realize what a change that is? Before we accept Christ, an impossible standard and burden is placed on us. We can never be righteous according to the law. And yet people try, and fail, all the time. People long to be made right by the law. People long to earn their way in.

But Christ has set us free. Not because we did anything but say I believe. Our faith is our righteousness. We are called to be nothing more than faith working through love. God does not want a bunch of self-righteous phonies - of which I was once one - no! He wants children, sons, and heirs. He wants us to accept His freedom and pass it on.

Lord, help us to accept Your freedom! Let us live as though we are free and let us not submit to our old ways. Please protect me from the temptations that come my way. Sometimes they are too much to bear! But praise be to God that He is with me to save me from them! Lord, live in  my heart today. Let self-pity and haughiness be far from me. Let me heart be totally focus on You.

Amen. Amen. Amen,