Verse: Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Devotion
Do you find yourself going back to old habits? I know I do. You decide to stop eating sugar or to go to bed earlier. It works for a while and then you are back to your old ways. Paul knows this is true for all of us. So he is reminding the Galations (and us) that we should not go back to our old ways of trying to be good enough and to follow all the rules so that God will love us. This idea that we have to perform for God to earn our salvation is a heavy burden that enslaves us versus giving us life and freedom.
Jesus is the one who has made us free from this bondage through his death and resurrection. It has been done once and for all. We cannot earn our freedom from sin and its consequences. Only Jesus can and He did. Our part is to accept that liberty that He has provided us and to walk that out with Him. Our love for Him helps us act lovingly toward others, not because we have to but because of how much we have received freely from Jesus. It changes our motives and makes them pure.
Note that Paul says to stand fast. Staying in the love of Jesus takes effort. It is easy to slip out again and go back to the bad habit of doing good in our own strength so that God approves of us. There are forces at work in society and spiritually that would try to move you from where you stand. Stand fast!! Stay in the liberty and love of Jesus. This is the safest and most freeing place you can stand.
Prayer
Jesus, help us to stand fast in our faith and understanding that you have done it all. Don’t let us slip back into performance Christianity. We want to abide in your love, to do what you are doing and what you have planned for us today and every day. Thank you for this liberty freely given to us. We love you.
Author: Brad Dunn
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