Live Free: A Study of Galatians Chikamu

 For the past several weeks we have been engaged in a study of the freedom God promises us as we choose to follow Jesus. Before reading the text today, we want to challenge you to do a short self-assessment. Consider the following mental exercise. If you were given complete freedom, what would you do with it? Imagine that you won the lottery, and had no financial limits or restrictions. You could literally do whatever you wanted. How would you choose to spend your time? Right now, before reading any further, make a list of the top 3 or 4 things you would do. 

In all likelihood your list includes activities that involve other people. God designed us as intensely social beings. Even the most introverted among us, needs and craves social interaction. If you wrote that you would travel, inevitably you want to do it with others. If buying a fancy car made your list, you likely want to drive it with someone. Whatever you chose, you probably want to do it with others. Freedom without meaningful relationships is worthless. Nelson Mandela put it this way, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” 

As we begin to wrap up the book of Galatians, Paul shifts gears and starts to focus on how our freedom is actually not for us to experience alone. Our freedom is intended to be lived out in the context of community and for the benefit of others. The verses we read together today, highlight just a few ways we can choose to LIVE FREE in our relationships with those around us. 

Reflect:

Which of the instructions from today's passage do you feel you need to work on in your life?

Respond:

Take time today to thank God for the people He has put in your life and ask Him how you can live out your freedom to benefit others.