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.
Galatians 5:13
What is your spiritual status?
If you have confessed your sin, repented of it, called on Jesus for salvation, and accepted the gift of eternal life He made possible by His death, then your identity has been changed for all eternity.
You are free — spiritually free. Redeemed. Secure for eternity. Your status need not be renewed, you don’t have to re-apply, and it never expires. Eternal means eternal. Forever. Done. Complete.
All that mess … all those poor choices … all that shame and regret? Every bit of it is nailed to the cross of Christ. Your debt has been marked, “PAID IN FULL” by the One who knows all and loves you anyway. Loved you enough to die for you.
Through Jesus, we have freedom. Freedom from the eternal consequences of sin — but also freedom from the insidious addiction to self.
As Americans, we toss around the word freedom very easily. We’ve all declared, “It’s a free country!” when rationalizing behaviors and choices that are often contrary to God’s truth.
Our Constitution ensures each citizen “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But our identity in Christ brings us eternal life, liberty in our personal choices, and the freedom to pursue something much greater than happiness: holiness.
Our salvation happens in a moment, a dot on the timeline of life when we surrender to Him. But going forward from that point until the final dot on the line, when we step out of time and into eternity — the time between those two dots represents the life we live in Him. What does that line segment represent?
Is it a life of self-indulgence or self-sacrifice?
Is it devoted to happiness or to holiness?
Is it a life filled with the dutiful “have to,” or the joyful “want to”?
Is our time spent pursuing earthly pleasures, or promoting God’s kingdom?
Is the focus on self, or on service?
Re-read the verse above again. What does Paul make clear is the opposite of indulging the flesh? A life of service. Giving ourselves to others. Sacrificial living — not to make much of me, but to make much of the One who set me free.
Before we begin ticking off the “I’ve-done-this” list (worked in the nursery, taught VBS, made a casserole for a sick friend, visited the nursing home, wrote a check for the offering plate), please note that Paul also addresses the attitude behind the action. Does humility characterize the motivation for my actions? Are my acts of service done in a manner or for the purpose of drawing attention to me? Are you and I releasing freely what we have been freely given? Do we serve humbly?
We are called to serve in humility.
We are called to serve in love.
When the love of Christ consumes us, we can release acts of service in love. An awareness of how deeply we are cherished (undeserving, sinful, and selfish though we are) prompts us to serve others in humility and love.
When we genuinely embrace the truth that Jesus loved us so deeply and profoundly that He would die in our place, our cup is so full it runs over — it must run over — to also drench those around us with His love.
How is God calling you, allowing you, blessing you, to pour out His love to those in your world?
To serve others and to release love in humility … this is the place of real joy and ultimate freedom. Of true life and liberty. As each day takes us closer to that next dot on the timeline of life, let’s lean in to serving others with love and humility, with whatever time we have left.
The Bible has a great deal to say about how we use our words … whether it’s for good and for evil. Our August bookmark highlights 31 verses featuring the word, “TONGUE.” We invite you to listen as Laura introduces the coming month’s topic, and pray this new study will convict, encourage, challenge, and spur you on to use your words to honor God!
Visit our Downloads page today for your copy of our August Write the WORD bookmark, optional S.O.A.P. Bible study pages, and more free resources to help you balance your HEART for Christ with the demands of a busy HOME.
