Freedom

In our society today, there are many people who are resistant to making commitments of any kind. Young men and women are reluctant to enter into contracts for jobs or houses. Fewer people are making marriage vows. We value personal freedom above all else and do not want to be locked down to times or places. Perhaps we feel that commitments will limit our future options and choices.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul explained that ‘it was for freedom that Christ set us free’. Gal 5:1. He went on to instruct his readers to use their freedom responsibly and wrote, ‘Do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh’. Gal 5:13. ‘The flesh’ is not a term we commonly use today but it simply refers to our human condition. Paul described ‘the deeds of the flesh’ and we find they include many behaviours which are considered normal these days. They are things like sexual activity outside of marriage, materialism, jealousy, contention, drunkenness and rioting. He said that ‘those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God’. Gal 5:19-21. We would all agree that these things can cause harm to ourselves or others. They can destroy our future and our relationships. It is ironic that our quest for freedom often leads to pain and constriction. We can literally end up in prison. Or perhaps, we find ourselves in a prison of our own making and are left feeling isolated, humiliated, bound up or weighed down. The prophet Isaiah foretold that Christ would come and proclaim ‘freedom to prisoners’. Isa 61:1.

Whenever we use our freedom as an opportunity for ‘the flesh’, we are seeking our own good at the expense of others. We find ourselves using and abusing other people in our bid to further personal goals and agendas. Paul warned the Galatians not to use their freedom to serve themselves but ‘through love serve one another’. Gal 5:13. In all his letters, Paul referred to himself and other co-workers as bond-servants of Christ. Rom 1:1. The position of a bond-servant involved complete subjection to a master.

Paul relinquished all personal rights and freedom in his service of the gospel but in so doing found complete joy and fulfilment. He rejoiced as he poured himself out for the churches and said, ‘Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all’. Phil 2:17. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul instructed his readers to have the same attitude as Christ who ‘emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant’. Phil 2:7. Mary, the mother of Jesus, called herself a ‘bond-slave of the Lord’. Luke 1:38. Jesus taught His disciples that the greatest among them would be their ‘servant’. Matt 23:11. It is liberating for us to understand that we do not have to seek our own good and fulfil our own purpose. As we lay down our lives for others, we will find true freedom.

Sue Falk

Return to top

Feature Articles
June 2009

The love of God

Preparing the way

Unrestrained lips

Redeemed to be sons

As for me and my house

Sweet fellowship

Effective households

Freedom

Setting goals

Pray without doubting