Freedom

Galations 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

One of the excuses people have for not becoming a Christian is that they don't way to give up their freedom. They want to be able to do whatever they want. The irony of it all is that the choices they make create a bondage. Sin has a way of keeping us in slavery to the sin such as drinking, promiscuity, gambling, etc. People become addicted to their drug of choice, which put them in a state of bondage to begin with. I understand this as I have struggled with bondage myself. But it is Christ who sets us free from the bondage. I like how this verse puts it. "Stand firm." When I stand firm and do not give into my temptations, it keeps me out of bondage and free to have a clear mind. I have so much more joy when I am living a life of freedom. I know that God is pleased with me when I stand firm and stay the course. It is hard to stand firm sometimes. Notice here that the verse says do not let yourselves be burdened again... Paul is talking to the church of Galatia and encouraging them to stay out of bondage. People in the church used to be in bondage and they have chosen to trust Christ. Paul is encouraging them to not go back to their old ways but to stand firm. This in turn encourages me to stand firm in my faith.