Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today’s post is a day late. Had I posted it yesterday, I would have given a salute to all the veterans who have served or are serving America 🫡. Inspired by their service, this week’s theme is serving.

Let’s begin by recognizing we have been set free to serve.

Today’s scripture, Galatians 5:13 (NLT) says…
[13] For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Consider…
Paul’s language in today’s scripture is intriguing to me.

First he says we have been called to live in freedom.

Typically when we think of being called by God, we associate it with preaching the Gospel. Yet, 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV) says…
[9] God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

And 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT) reminds us…
[9] But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

These verses demonstrate, being called by God isn’t limited to preaching the Gospel, it is simply being summoned to come forward. I used the word summoned, because I believe that describes the weight of God’s calling.

Oxford Languages defines summoned as an authoritatively or urgently call on (someone) to be present, especially as a defendant or witness in a law court.

Implicit in a summons is an expectation that the person being called recognizes the authority of the Caller, and will obey accordingly. Just like with a court summons, with God failure to heed His call comes with consequences, namely missing out on the good He has planned for us.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) tells us…
[9] That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

But you cannot experience what God has prepared if you don’t answer His call.

Today’s scripture let’s us know that one of the things God has prepared for us is freedom.

Titus 2:14 (NLT) says of Jesus…
[14] He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

And Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT) reiterates…
[13] For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, [14] who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Because of what Christ did, Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) tells us…
[1] So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. [2] And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

I believe freedom from the penalty and power of sin, is what today’s scripture is telling us that we have been called to live in.

Here’s where Paul’s language gets interesting, he continues with…
But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.

This makes me think of the various sayings that you state you can take someone out of their environment but you can’t take the environment mentality out of them. I believe God is saying that He has taken us out of the life of sin, but our sinful nature is still in us.

This makes me think of Paul’s self reflection tik-tok in Romans 7:17-20 (NLT), when he confesses…
[17] So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. [18] And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. [19] I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. [20] But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

Today’s scripture, is pointing out that just because we’ve been freed from sin, doesn’t mean we won’t still choose it. I believe when God tells us don’t use our freedom to satisfy our sinful nature, He’s giving us His Romans 6:1-2 (NLT) admonition, which is…
[1] Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? [2] Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?

God is saying, like the old D.A.R.E. campaign encouraged “say no to drugs”, say no to Sin!

Yet, the Holy Spirit didn’t let Paul stop with saying no to Sin, he upped the ante by saying…
Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Wow, God says don’t sin, serve! 🫡

The scripture the Holy Spirit gave me to articulate what He means, is 1 John 3:16-18 (NLT) which says…
[16] We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? [18] Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

The Holy Spirit, is saying that God didn’t give us freedom to do what we want to do, but instead to be what others need us to be to know Him.

The Apostle Paul explained it this way in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 (NLT)…
[20] When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. [21] When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. [22] When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. [23] I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Verse 23 sums up God’s call to freedom expectation, which is, “do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”

So today as you enjoy the freedom to go about your day, remember that you have been given that freedom with an expectation that you will serve others to show Him!

Today’s Song is…
Others

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)