“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

Galatians 5:1 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.1.NLT

There is a subtle challenge for all who seek God through Christ: We begin by faith knowing that God loves, met and saved us. Yet, over time we add back in structures and laws of our own that replace faith with human effort. If we are not careful, we end up back where we began, dependent on ourselves for freedom which, in fact, can only be found in Christ.

Often, our human effort is moral and responsible. Yet, as we add on the layers of trying to manage life through religious structure and self-help, we end up in the bondage of the law. Leading our eyes away from the freedom Christ provides through belief in Him.

A very practical reflection is found in one simple question:  Are we still counting on God?

This is a simple, yet profound, question. Have we put security in our own efforts above faith in God who is the source of all abundance and provision? Are we aware of Christ as the source of our freedom, regardless of what happens in our community, nation, and world? Paul reminds us that Christ has truly set us free, don’t settle for anything less than this freedom.

Encouragement:  Ask God the simple question:  Am I still counting on You? Listen to what God wants to say to you through the Holy Spirit. Reflect on your own sense of belief and faith in Christ. If need be, let go of needless rules and structures that are taking away from the freedom Christ is offering.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You so much for setting us free. Forgive us when we trade in your great gift for our own rules, systems, thinking our own efforts will lead to the freedom only You are able to provide. We declare that our faith is in You and You alone. We do not want to settle for any set of beliefs or ideas that move us away from You and Your amazing love for us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

-Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center