A Word from Galatians 5

What are some of the freedoms you enjoy? Do you give thanks for the freedom to worship freely or to speak your mind without fear? Do you value the right to bear arms or to vote for the leaders who you think are best prepared to lead? Do you cherish the freedom that comes from living in a prosperous land – or the spiritual freedom that comes from knowing the grace that’s available in the cross of Christ? And whatever freedoms you enjoy, how are you using them?

I ask all this because today’s word from Galatians 5 offers a powerful reminder about freedom. Paul was addressing a group of believers who’d been set free from sin and from the need to seek God’s favor by following a list of religious rules. But they weren’t really using and protecting these freedoms. Nor, apparently, were they acting in a way that showed respect for the freedom of others. And so, Paul gave them this reminder:

“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.” (5:13-14)

Sometimes, I’m not sure that we’re very good at taking that instruction to heart. Freedom these days seems to be all about indulgence – and the sense that we ought to be able to do whatever we want to do. And we often seem more concerned about using freedom to get what we want, rather than making sure that others get similar blessings.

Of course, our country will soon be celebrating freedom as we mark 250 years as a nation. But I wonder. Having been set free by Jesus, will we use our liberty to love others, making sure that we treat them in the same way we’d want to be treated?

“Let freedom ring,” the song says. But may our song always be of the Savior who loved us enough to give himself for us, and who calls us to do the same for others. Amen.