“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1
Wow! That is an amazing truth for you and me — ones who walk in faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation. You are free, so live like it. We are sons and daughters of a Holy God, not slaves who have to work for the favor of our Master. Indeed, we stand firmly free before a God who looks at us and is pleased — because of what Jesus has done.
But, sadly (as when Paul wrote this), there are still false teachers today. They want to tie us to the laws of man. Whether it’s from false religion, our own self-righteousness or different cultural pressures, there is a burden on us to follow these laws. Of course, these rules, regulations and rituals are not given to us by our good and gracious God. We need to know that.
Legalism is an easy trap to fall into. Somehow, we think we can gain more of God’s favor by living in a certain way, under a certain law. As a result of believing that (and doing those things), we don’t live like free sons and daughters of the Promise.
Walking with Christ
Christian, when you are yoked (connected) to Christ and walk in His freedom, you can’t just go and do what you want. You can’t live for your own desires. Also, we can’t always walk where the world around us is headed. We are tied to Christ. Wherever He walks, we must walk. But, this is a good and right freedom that satisfies. It is the full and abundant life that brings joy. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Today, may we walk in the promise from Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Thankful for freedom in Christ,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor