Scripture: Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love
Observation: Followers of Christ are given freedom from the law. This freedom, coupled with guidance by the Holy Spirit, doesn’t free you up to a life of sin, but frees you up to serve one another honestly and not out of obligation. It enables true, honest service.
Application: By accepting the gift of Christ’s sacrifice, I am released from the bondage of attempting to follow the law. My actions, then, should not be dictated out of obligation or a shallow “Must-Do” list, but out of love and guidance which will come from the Holy Spirit. Consequently, I should not serve because I think I “should,” but because I am moved to serve by my heart and genuinely want to serve. I should have the desire, and answer to that, rather than an empty duty.
This is easy to write, but a tough one for me to really follow. But I’ve been faced with this for several days now.
How much of what I do is because I think I “should” or because it might make me look good or please other’s around me.? What about Jesus? And my Heavenly Father? What would he/they want me to do? And would he/they want me to serve if my heart wasn’t 100% in it?
He wants me to serve, but to serve out of love. I must try harder to analyze my motives and determine why I do the things I do. Empty service, while helping others in some way, is still empty. And perhaps my participation is keeping those who are more gifted and truly called to serve from serving. Hmm.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the freedom from the Law. Please guide me in truly realizing that freedom in serving out of sheer desire from love, rather than desire for praise or assumed obligation. This is a trap that has had a hold on me for some time. Please continue to guide me to live as you would really have me live, rather than my own incorrect, worldly assumptions of that.
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