Free to Serve

Freedom is given to us so that we can serve others in love, not so that we can do whatever we want. Freedom in Christ as a result of being saved by grace is not meant to be viewed as a free get-out-of-Hell card and a selfish opportunity for the flesh to satisfy its desires. Abiding in Christ (living by the Spirit) empowers us to love & serve God and others. Liberty is not license to sin. "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:16) "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." (Romans 7:6) We are free from ceremonial law, but not from moral law, free from the slavery of sin, not free to continue in sin. free to serve others, not free to indulge selves. Do not abuse God's grace; do not misuse your freedom in Christ. "True liberty is only realized in obedience. The abuse of freedom is bondage, from which there is no self-deliverance." (T. T. Lynch)

When we love our neighbors as ourselves, service is a way through which we express that love. We must abandon our pride, selfish ambitions, superior attitude, and prejudice. Instead, approach  everyone with the "What can I do for you?" mindset. Let us serve one another humbly, cheerfully, and faithfully.

"Law makes us act from outward compulsion, but love makes us serve from inward compassion." (Unknown)
"Love is the doorway through which man passes from selfishness to service." (Unknown)

Prayer: Father, thank You for our freedom in Christ! Please help us to love and serve others with humility like Jesus does. Please open our eyes to see the needs of others and how we can meet those needs. Please free us from our self-centeredness. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

To ponder: What practical things can we do to serve others? Do we serve others with genuine, unconditional love (without expecting anything in return) and Christlike attitude/servant heart/humility? Do we get annoyed when someone interrupts our free time with his/her needs? Do we serve grudgingly? Do we demand recognition or appreciation? Is it a joy for us to serve others?