Bible Reading: Galatians 5:1-26
I heard a story about a writer who didn’t want to be limited by the alphabet. He thought using only the letters in the alphabet would stifle his writing. He believed his writing would be more creative and fulfilling if he was free of the limitations of the alphabet.
That’s silly isn’t it? Imagine what this devotion would look like if I chose to write it using symbols or scribbles instead of letters! Would you understand what I wrote?
No, of course not!
Many people feel that same way about God’s rules. They think that if they obey God, they will be stifled. They think they won’t be able to have fun or enjoy life. They think they will be free from limitations and expectations. In verse 1 of today’s Bible reading, Paul warned, “We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong in that freedom. Don’t go back into slavery again.” Paul understood that when we follow God’s rules, we are truly free. We are free from the pain and suffering that sin causes. When we ignore God’s rules or try to live by our own rules, we become slaves to sin. We suffer the pain and heartache caused by sin.
If a writer wants to write something that other people can read and understand, he needs to obey the rules of grammar and spelling and write using the letters that exist in the alphabet of his chosen language.
In the same way, if we want to experience true freedom, we must obey God’s rules, rules that make us truly free.
“My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love.” Galatians 5:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to obey Your rules every day so I will always experience true freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.