Called to Freedom – by Alicia Briscoe

You, my brothers, and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13 NIV

As we have just observed Juneteenth, approaching July 4th, and surrounded with issues that has stirred up controversy, “Freedom” is the focal point of discussion in our society.

Freedom is something we all yearn for at some point in our lives. Think about it, a child wants the freedom to do certain things on their own; teens want freedom from their parents; adults want freedom from their responsibilities, and we all want freedom of choice.

The truth of the matter is that we are all called to be free. Like most things we get fixated on one aspect of something. Freedom is one of those things. If we are honest, we have hijacked freedom to mean that we are free to do what we please, when we please, and with whom we please. This mentality often leads to a life of sin in which we have been set free from when Jesus died on the cross.

The scripture above is to remind us that freedom is not intended to cause us to sin, but to love God and one another, to be humble, and to serve. This is the invariable nature of the Christian life. Jesus said that it was for freedom that he came. He said that whoever the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn 8:36). Therefore, doctrine of freedom in Christ by faith in his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. God cares how we act, even though we have free will.

Although we may have been free from physical places it is the mental and spiritually places that we still need freedom. The second part of this scripture sheds light on my point and comes with a warning “do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh” as followers of Christ we have freedom of choice but understand that we will be held accountable for every choice we make.

Remember, we belong to the God who calls us chosen. We are no longer slaves to this world but a servant of Christ (1 Cor 7:22), it is a service of freedom. So don’t be self-seeking in your choices, check your motives and be sure your choices are in alignment with God. Our Father God knows best.



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