Call to Freedom

Christian Commitment
in Today's World
Galatians 5:7-14 (The Message)

 ^7-10You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don't toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment.
 ^11-12As for the rumor that I continue to preach the ways of circumcision (as I did in those pre-Damascus Road days), that is absurd. Why would I still be persecuted, then? If I were preaching that old message, no one would be offended if I mentioned the Cross now and then—it would be so watered-down it wouldn't matter one way or the other. Why don't these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves!
 ^13-15It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

For Reflection
In many ways the early church was no different than the modern version.  As converts struggle with the implementation of their new beliefs they argued about a lot of things.  One of the major issues was circumcision.  The disagreements of how to be a Christian turned ugly -- a behavior that is clearly not motivated by love. Paul advocates freedom from the old ways.  Being a Christian is not about rules.  It is about behavior that is motivated by love.  Freedom is not won by by destructive action.  Freedom is won by embracing the love of God and acting within that love.  Freedom is also preserved by living within the love of God.

Pray that you will not be influenced by those who would have you enlist in their deviations from obedience.  Pray that you will use your freedom to serve one another in love.