Freedom

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

This is one of my absolute most favorite verses. I often need the reminder that my relationship with God is not based on anything I do or don't do. God's love for me is the same always, no matter who I am. I cannot win God over or get Him to do anything for me by being "good". God is always for me and He is always doing good on my behalf. Sometimes I get the gumption to work on my own sanctification and try to make myself holy. For instance, I notice I have frustrated emotions or words about a particular situation and I think that I should try to control those emotions or words. Paul's words here are a strict reminder that if I decide to start trying to be in control of my own holiness, then I negate Jesus' work on the cross. If I'm going to take control of one part of my salvation effort, then I have to take control of it all. I don't want to do that. This verse reminds me to turn my holiness over to God and let Him sanctify me and make me beautiful through the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus. I must ask Him to do the work in me, as I can no more make myself holy in action and thought than I can make myself a cat. I am a new creation in Christ because God has made me such. I am transformed by the Holy Spirit because of the gift of grace God has given me. And this is the freedom Paul writes about over and over. We are not bound by the law on stone tablets. We are free in Christ, who writes the law on our hearts through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Remain free by asking God to continue the good work He began in you. He will complete it. He has promised.