Unselfish Freedom!

[03/30/2006 “teEn-MAIL”]

UNSELFISH FREEDOM!

Freedom. Not everyone views it the same. Neither is its advantage used for the same purposes. There are freedoms we have in the United States of America because of the unselfish sacrifice others have made. Our freedom from sin and its penalty was also made possible by the unselfish sacrifice of our Lord. In both of these areas it is important to give serious consideration to the way in which we exercise our freedom.

Writing to the church at Galatia, Paul exhorted…
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only DO NOT USE YOUR FREEDOM AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FLESH, BUT THROUGH LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.” ( Galatians 5:13 ESV)

Because of false teachers who had come trying to bind the Law on these Christians, Paul had earlier cautioned them to “not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” ( Galatians 5:1) This is one extreme people can go to in religion; binding rules and regulations that God has not established for us as Christians to keep, thus creating a climate of legalism to the point one can hardly move. However, verse thirteen pointed to the other extreme some would go in viewing grace and the freedom that is ours in Christ as an open door for indulging the flesh. (note also Jude 4)

In Christ, we have been called to freedom. There are things to which we are no longer bound. Nevertheless, that does not mean we throw off all restraint! With freedom comes responsibility to still live appropriately within the boundaries of God’s Will.

Some may tend to use their freedom merely to satisfy their own desires. Paul urged the using of our freedom to LOVINGLY SERVE one another. Therein lies an interesting concept. A life bound by love SERVES (Gk. “douleuete”, from “douleuo”, to serve as a slave) lovingly and willingly. The freedom Jesus unselfishly made possible, in a sense places us in bondage to one another. With self set aside we are FREE TO BE ENSLAVED to giving a high priority to the consideration of other’s needs. (note Philippians 2:3-4)

Remember Paul’s attitude as he expressed it to the church at Corinth and exhibited clearly throughout his ministry.
“For THOUGH I AM FREE from all, I HAVE MADE MYSELF A SERVANT [(Gk.) douloo] TO ALL, that I might win more of them.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV)

With a higher aim than self in view, Paul unselfishly accepted the FREEDOM TO SERVE as he led others to Christ. Do we cherish the freedom we have to do the same to the end that we might benefit others and glorify God? FREE TO BE ENSLAVED! What a concept! What a glorious way to live! May our Christian walk be characterized by a willingness to devote ourselves to LOVING SERVICE!

Have a great day FREELY ACCEPTING THE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE SELFLESS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Service