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There are some headings which ought to excite us, this is one of them! The problem comes when we look at a beautiful truth that implies great responsibility.

'For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view than mine, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.' Galatians 5:1-15

Freeeedoooomm!

We love the concept of freedom in the West. Having freedom is pretty much the most valuable asset, and that's seen by the way we live our lives and the way our society is shaped. Criminals are punished by being locked away - their existence while in prison may not be particularly bad, but their freedom is restricted, and that's the punishment. We work hard in order to earn more money, because with more money we have the freedom to choose what sort of lifestyle to live. Even when it comes to beliefs about morality, our culture's perception of what is morally right tends to come down to freedom. We're expected to be 'pro-choice', and encourage people to choose their sexuality, or even their method of death. But our concept of freedom is flawed.

Paul, in this passage, explains to the churches of Galatia that they have been 'called to freedom', and that therefore they must take action to maintain that freedom. Paul is effectively suggesting that the only way to manifest true freedom is by actively restricting the choices made. This sounds illogical at first - what if I want to accept circumcision? But it makes perfect sense. Imagine you have been brought before a firing squad. The general places you in position, then explains that you are free to walk away at any time, but that his squad are going to shoot towards a specific spot when he commands. He then walks to the side. You have the freedom to walk away! That's what freedom is, and Paul's instruction is: 'Don't choose to remain in that spot!'

Slavery

Choosing to accept circumcision is the equivalent of walking back into your prison cell when you know that the gate is open - only a fool would do it! But Paul's tone in this passage does not have a light-hearted quality. He does not talk about returning to folly, he talks about submitting to a yoke of slavery. The picture of the prison cell should be extended; if you knew that the gate to your cell was open, you most certainly would not return to it if you knew that the gate would be locked shut if you re-entered.

Paul's words here seem to suggest that a Christian can 'lose his salvation'. The concept of 'once saved, always saved' is called into question. I would suggest that this is not the issue at stake here: let's return to the picture of the prison cell. The prisoner who knows that he has been freed simply will not be so foolish as to return to his cell. On the other hand, the prisoner who has foolishly convinced himself that he is free while the gate is locked is quite happy to remain in his cell, and will likely mentally move between a feeling of freedom and imprisonment.

This brings up a serious question, however. Are you genuinely free? If you are in Christ, then the answer must be a resounding yes. But do you willingly return to slavery? Is there an area of sin which locks its shackles around you again and again? Do you get caught up in legalism? I think that Paul's words here suggest that even a hint of legalism would impose the entirety of the law onto you - be filled with grace!

What is freedom for?

I love where Paul ends up in this passage. Jesus Christ did not die so that we could be given a warm fuzzy feeling, he died so that we might be free. That freedom needs action in that we must not submit to more slavery, despite the fact that the choice is now open to us. But what should we choose? Paul says that can be summed up in one word: love. I don't know if you've ever done this, but try searching through the New Testament for every time that the phrase 'one another' is used - there's a lot! The intention for the church is that we would love, help, forgive, and serve one another. Let's use our freedom wisely. Love one another. Bear with one another. Forgive one another. Serve one another. Seek every opportunity to outdo one another with good works. Why? Because we have the freedom to choose to do that!

We began by looking at the Western freedom mindset, but it is flawed. Freedom in the West is best expressed on a personal, selfish basis - choose to succeed! Choose to survive! Choose life! Make a choice today to punch Satan in the face as you use your freedom to make personal sacrifices to love and serve one another better. Let's really live what Christ desired: 'By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.' (John 13:35)

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

7 people to cut loose from your inner circle