There are only three verses in our reading but they each remind us of one of our marvellous privileges in Christ - our Christian freedom, which is linked with our responsibility in Christ. Freedom has become a much used word in recent years. People in many countries want restrictions of every kind to be thrown aside. In some cases only chaos are the result. What sort of freedom is ours in Christ? Does it mean we can do anything we want to do? The popular image of a Christian is of one who is bound by too many restrictions, prohibitions or taboos. Which is right? First of all, our freedom in Christ is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. (v.13.) It is freedom from the demands of the Old Testament law. That is what the Galatians couldn't understand. It is freedom to approach God at any time. It is freedom to love and serve one another. In Romans 13:10 Paul says, 'Love does no harm to its neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.' How can that be so? A simple illustration will help. Why do most parents feed, clothe and care for their children? Is there a law which says they must? Not really. They do it because of their love for the child. In doing so, they are also fulfilling the relevant law. In the same way, as we love God and love our neighbour, we will also be fulfilling the law. We do so not because we are forced to, but because we want to. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Christ has set us free to do His Father's will. |
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