"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; instead, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13 NIV
When we talk about addiction and abuse, our mind usually jumps to alcohol and drugs. But today's verse talks about the misuse of our freedom. Yes, we can abuse the very thing most of us claim to be most dear, our right to choose.
Thanks to mom and pop in the Garden of Eden, the first freedom abusers, we continue to be tempted—using freedom the wrong way to satisfy our natural carnal cravings. We don't have to, though; we can use our independence the right way and serve others. In humbly sharing love to others, we become an example of what true freedom—the freedom from sin offered through Jesus Christ—should look like.
God, we thank you for the willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ to redeem us from sin. We confess we have been guilty of abusing this freedom; though forgiven, we continue to do wrong. Please forgive us once more and help us to share your love with our brothers and sisters. Fill our souls with your Holy Spirit that we may become your instruments of change. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
