Set Free: 21 Day Devotional: Day 9

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13  NIV

The apostle Paul taught that Christian freedom is anchored in Christ’s redemption.  We are no longer under the law’s penalty or sin’s power;  Jesus’ sacrifice has freed us from guilt and the demands of legalistic righteousness.  

However, Paul warns us that freedom is not a license to gratify our own desires.  True freedom leads us to serve one another through love, fulfilling the entire law in the simple command to love our neighbor.  

Ministry leadership can tempt us toward self-promotion or the pursuit of influence.  The scripture challenges us to use our liberty to build up others through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we bear fruit such as love, joy and gentleness, and that fruit produces a culture of service rather than celebrity.  

Serving through love means seeking the good of the congregation above our own preferences and giving our time and gifts without expecting service in return.  Leaders who use their freedom to love release others from legalism and fear by modeling grace.

I have heard it said that “the freest person is the one who becomes a servant to others.”  By giving yourself away, you experience the freedom Christ secured and foster a community marked by genuine care and mutual support.

Lord, thank you for freeing me from sin’s guilt and penalty.  Empower me by Your Spirit to use my freedom to serve others selflessly and gently tear down what I have built for myself that does not honor you first!