“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
Today is Independence Day in the United States. We celebrate freedom with family, friends, food, and fireworks. Some will celebrate the day off with little thought to the value of freedom, or its cost. Many will pause to remember the sacrifices made, both military and civilian, to secure the freedom we often take for granted. Hopefully, a few will also ponder how to be good stewards of the freedom entrusted to us.
Freedom is an amazing gift, one that is not shared by many people in the world, and one that is not shared by everyone in this nation. The gift of freedom comes with a responsibility because freedom was not purchased just for us. The sacrifices were for everyone. Freedom did not come easily, but it can be surrendered quickly. It is a dangerous thing to forget that your world is not the whole world, and all to easy to believe that my rights and desires are what matter most.
In the scriptural passage quoted above, the Apostle Paul was clearly speaking of spiritual freedom, but his charge to use our freedom rightly is applicable to every form of freedom, for all of its expressions are a gift from God. Freedom is not for us to pursue our own desires, indulging our wants and passions. Instead, it is an opportunity to embrace what we are given and work for something greater, something bigger and more important that just ourselves.
When we use our freedom, not for personal gratification, but to, “serve one another humbly in love,” we discover the real blessing and power of liberty. Instead of getting what’s mine, we celebrate giving what’s ours, and we all benefit. As a spiritual mentor used to remind me, “The rising tide raises all ships.”
We cannot allow a zero sum mentality to permeate our lives, believing that there is only so much to go around and I lose my share if I give any away. That leads to protective isolation, fear, and anger. Instead, we must cultivate the belief that there is more than enough, and if I share others, others will share with me.
Yes, some will take advantage, and others may be unappreciative, but many will be blessed. They will go on to return the blessing, or pay it forward, and in a multitude of small actions, the world will be transformed. Most importantly, we will be living in holy trust and obedience in Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve. We will follow in the footsteps of the one who had compassion on the multitudes, and gave everything for our freedom.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Let us live in the beauty of that freedom, sharing from the richness of our inheritance in Christ, so that all may know the amazing love of God and live in divine freedom.
