The Way of Freedom

“For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13 CSB)

Freedom in Christ has to be one the truly great truths of the Christian faith. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Two extremes can result from this freedom, though. One extreme sounds like this: “I am free. This is an absolute. Therefore, rules are irrelevant, and I can live my life any way I want to.” In this extreme view, the individual thinks that freedom is all about him or her.

The other extreme is at the opposite pole, reacting against what is seen as “free license” to exercise the pursuits of the flesh. This view sounds like this: “Freedom is a pipe dream. The idea is irrelevant, because what really counts is keeping the rules. God does not want people to pursue fleshly interests. He wants people to live rightly. And that can only be done by following the rules, by keeping God’s laws. That is the way to God.”

Both views are extreme, and both miss the target. The truth is between them.

In Christ, we are set free from the domination both of the flesh and of the law. Our lives are to no longer be dominated by simple rules-keeping, and neither are they to be dominated by a lifestyle of “free license.” Whatever dominates your life is your master.

By faith in Jesus, we are free, not to use our freedom as an opportunity for indulging the flesh, since that does not honor Christ, but as an opportunity to serve and to love others. Paul says, “What counts is faith working through love.” (verse 6) We are to serve one another through love.

The true purpose of freedom is to overcome self-centeredness so that we can experience and express God’s love. That is the way of freedom. It is all about the Lord.

Father, Help us to live the true life of freedom You have desired for us, for Your honor and glory. Amen.