The Purpose of Freedom

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-14

NIV: 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.”

Message: It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom.

Observations:

Application:
Today is Independence Day-- the day that we as a country celebrate freedom.  We, as Americans, are given the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  We are given freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and religion.  I am so thankful for those rights.  It's because of those that I can share my faith of the internet like this.  I have no idea why God saw fit to put me right here-- in the U.S., in Maryville, TN, in Faith Promise Church, in my sweet family.  I am so thankful for all of that... but its hard for me to look at the world and wonder why I have so many freedoms when others do not.  I don't understand why my blessings look so much different from other people's.  But what I do know is that God "marked out [our] appointed times in history and the boundaries of [our] lands" (Acts 17:27).  In other words, he has me right here, right now for a purpose.  So what is that purpose?

Galatians 5:13-14 tells us that we are called to freedom.  Although we as Americans, have certain freedoms, we as Christ-followers define that freedom differently.  We are called to a higher standard.  Our freedom is not to do or say whatever we want.  Instead, our freedom is the freedom to show love in everything we do.  In this verse, Paul writes that everything else is summed up in that: love.  That is the freedom Christ modeled in his life and the freedom that He died to show us.  If we are followers of Christ, the purpose of our freedom is to show love to other people through humble service.

Prayer:
God, you are amazing!  Your plan for humanity is just amazing!  Thank you so much loving us so much!  Thank you for freedom.  I pray that you would help me use that freedom that I have to humbly serve others and show your love.  In Jesus' name!  Amen!