Slave or 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
Christ sets us free, but do we currently see ourselves burdened by a yoke of slavery? I never thought of myself as living in a yoke of bondage before I gave my life to the Lord. However after fifteen years of striving to serve the Lord, I am experiencing freedom in Christ. Now I realize that I was a slave to the world. My thoughts and emotions were in direct response to the world around me. This worldly life may seem normal until we compare a life free in Christ.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) We can live in this world without realizing we are a slave to it. We may even believe our lives are fulfilling. However, when we compare the worldly life to the life the Lord gives, a life free in Christ and life to the full, we recognize the great distance between the two. Our life can be filled with money, success, popularity, world travel, education, or power, but nothing in this world can compare to the freedom in Christ. In Christ we have life to the full and life eternal. The blessings from Heaven far outweigh any blessings from the world.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians (4:11-13) The apostle Paul was free in Christ and lived life to the full. He was filled with love, peace, joy, contentment and he knew heaven was his home. He was always contented and satisfied because he was closer to the Lord than he was to the world. The Holy Spirit had more power over his soul than his flesh. This is the divine power of God that frees us and fills us.
Freedom in Christ comes from living in the Spirit. This means that whatever we perceive from the world goes immediately to the Holy Spirit who guides our response. We are one with God and the Spirit tells us how to respond to the world. We give the Lord control as we pray and walk as his servants. It is impossible to do any better in life as compared to walking in Godly wisdom. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) As our trust in the Lord increases so does our life to the full.
Today, seek to be free in Christ. Seek to serve him knowing he is in control and that he will guide you to victory. He will do this because he loves you perfectly and he desires to bless you and free you. Pray about everything that concerns your heart knowing it will bring glory to God. He will answer your prayers as you walk according to his will.
Let’s pray: Lord thank you for setting me free from this world, and creating life to the full. Guide me to reveal this freedom with love, peace, joy, and confidence that can only come from you. Thank you for your infinite love and for being with me through this life and into eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.