Free to Be Slaves

For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. - Galatians 5:13

If for some reason we ever had to condense the Bible down to about 5 pages and still retain the essence of the message, there are a few passages that would absolutely have to be included... like John 3:16. I think this verse from Galatians is one of those passages.

We spend so much time arguing about religion. How and when do we baptize? Whom should we allow to preach God's word? Traditional or contemporary music? And even... what color should we paint the doors? To quote the author of Ecclesiastes, "Meaningless, meaningless... everything is meaningless!"

We were called to freedom in Christ. And when we are truly in Christ, we don't use that freedom to indulge ourselves... and we don't use that freedom to criticize how others are using their freedom! If we are truly in Christ we use that freedom to *choose* to become slaves to one another. And if we are serving one another we are too busy to take part in the petty bickering that goes on within most of our churches.

Don't be fooled! These issues are the favorite tool of the Enemy. They make our self-righteousness feel righteous. We feel like we are "fighting" for God. But the only thing that is happening is that we are being distracted from our Christian call to serve one another. God doesn't need to be defended, he's been taking care of himself for all of eternity.

We are *free* to be slaves! What a wonderful paradox! How will you serve your neighbor today?

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the wonderful freedom we have in you. How awesome that we are free to be slaves to one another. What a wonderful choice! Help us not to be distracted by religious arguments no matter how tempted we might be to *fight* for you. Amen.

Joys: How wonderful A/C feels after spending hours outdoors; cooling down in refreshing mountain water; excited to see Florida family this weekend!!