Stand Firmly in Freedom
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
(Galatians 5:1)
Our personal development into emotional and spiritual health takes time; it does not come overnight. Children develop emotionally over time and eventually learn to think in abstract concepts. Before that day arrives, they are literal thinkers; rules and regulations guide their behavior along with an understanding of the consequences which failure brings. Sometimes, it happens like that for us spiritually, as well.
When you are young in the faith, it is all about doing the right things. You get so consumed with the “dos and don’ts” that you believe you will do just fine, if you follow the rules. When you live there, you are often tough on yourself and tougher on those around you who aren’t living up to your standards. Like a modern-day Pharisee, you become a spiritual sheriff; at the same time, you have difficulty keeping the very laws you are enforcing. That is a painful place to live. It’s painful for yourself and you are creating pain in the lives of others. It is almost like being in chains, which you have forged for yourself and others. As long as you can hear the clanging of rattling chains, you feel everything is right in the world.
This is not how God intended it to be. Jesus has set you free; I mean, really free! Because you are loved in Christ, completely acceptable to God in the finished work of Christ on your behalf, you are secure. The chains are gone, and now you can spread your wings and fly. However, if you have lived your life by the “dos and don’ts,” they become your default plan. When in doubt, find a rule and if you can’t find a rule, make one up. God doesn’t want you to live that way.
Because He placed His Spirit within you, which happened at the moment of salvation, He wants you to live in that freedom and flow. It is completely different from the way you navigated before! Your freedom in Christ is where you must stand firmly, not with self-imposed rules. Many people find their feet standing firmly in the rules of legalism, rather than standing firmly in the freedom which Christ has provided. If this devotional makes you feel unsettled, it may be that you are standing on the wrong foundation. Take a look at your footing today and evaluate where you are rooted.
(Galatians 5:1)
Our personal development into emotional and spiritual health takes time; it does not come overnight. Children develop emotionally over time and eventually learn to think in abstract concepts. Before that day arrives, they are literal thinkers; rules and regulations guide their behavior along with an understanding of the consequences which failure brings. Sometimes, it happens like that for us spiritually, as well.
When you are young in the faith, it is all about doing the right things. You get so consumed with the “dos and don’ts” that you believe you will do just fine, if you follow the rules. When you live there, you are often tough on yourself and tougher on those around you who aren’t living up to your standards. Like a modern-day Pharisee, you become a spiritual sheriff; at the same time, you have difficulty keeping the very laws you are enforcing. That is a painful place to live. It’s painful for yourself and you are creating pain in the lives of others. It is almost like being in chains, which you have forged for yourself and others. As long as you can hear the clanging of rattling chains, you feel everything is right in the world.
This is not how God intended it to be. Jesus has set you free; I mean, really free! Because you are loved in Christ, completely acceptable to God in the finished work of Christ on your behalf, you are secure. The chains are gone, and now you can spread your wings and fly. However, if you have lived your life by the “dos and don’ts,” they become your default plan. When in doubt, find a rule and if you can’t find a rule, make one up. God doesn’t want you to live that way.
Because He placed His Spirit within you, which happened at the moment of salvation, He wants you to live in that freedom and flow. It is completely different from the way you navigated before! Your freedom in Christ is where you must stand firmly, not with self-imposed rules. Many people find their feet standing firmly in the rules of legalism, rather than standing firmly in the freedom which Christ has provided. If this devotional makes you feel unsettled, it may be that you are standing on the wrong foundation. Take a look at your footing today and evaluate where you are rooted.
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2 Comments
Jesus has set ME free. Thank you Father.
Thank You, Jesus, for setting me free to live in Your love 💘