"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery ... For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:1,13
I cannot imagine approaching a heavy-guarded penitentiary and asking to be incarcerated in a tiny prison cell. Who in their right mind would give up a life of freedom for dismal, restrictive prison life? That's exactly what the Galatian believers chose to do spiritually. Bluntly honest, Paul stated: "I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another" (Galatians 1:6-7). These new believers had exchanged a life of freedom in Christ for the imprisonment of legalism.
It's easy enough to criticize the foolish Galatians, but likely not as easy to recognize entrapping legalism in our own lives. A good practice or observance becomes enslaving when it becomes the only way. The practice of prayer, for example, is an important discipline, but it becomes rigid legalism when it must be done in a particular posture, at a certain time, reciting certain words. Worship serves as another example, when it must occur in a certain place and time, and can only result when done according to a particular musical and liturgical style.
The problem with rigid legalism is that it establishes rules beyond God's directives. We might call it a "merit-badge" religion in which we advance in status as we work harder. It places a priority on external observance and promotes pride. It makes spirituality neat, manageable, but so very wrong.
God's grace shown in and through Christ is focused on a living, dynamic relationship. Rigid religious legalism demotes it to a dutiful checklist.
The challenge is that freedom IN Christ can become freedom FROM Christ to indulge our sinful pleasures. There are chains to this freedom because that which we freely practice easily enslaves us in lifestyle habits. Sinful practices are addictive.
We are challenged to "stand firm" in the freedom we have in Christ, and not submit ourselves to any legalistic slavery. Savor that freedom today, and allow the freedom of grace to be a springboard to a life of grateful service.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” Hebrews 13:7.