This freedom for which Christ has set us free

Outside of Christ, there is no freedom. Only Christ can set us free and keep us free by his Spirit. When Jesus says, "Follow me," he calls us to freedom. But it is not a freedom everyone can accept. Some feel burdened by family obligations (Luke 9.59). Others think it necessary to get approval from their loved ones (Luke 9.61). Such persons have placed something else "first" and are unable to know the freedom that comes with leaving all to follow Christ.

Freedom is not free, so the saying goes. This freedom for which Christ has set us free comes with a heavy cost. Our Lord himself gave his life for it, paying the ultimate price. He expects nothing less from his followers than a willingness to lay down their lives, as well. For the one who has truly been set free, however, this is not too great a cost. Paul writes that "those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5.24). No longer burdened by the things of this world, they should not be subject again to the low passions of the flesh. Paul chastises the Galatians for not using their freedom in Christ wisely. They have been beguiled into following the old pattern of legalism which leads to death, not life. Those who are free do not need a legalistic code because they are no longer enslaved by the passions of the flesh.

However, this freedom for which Christ has set them free is not to be used "as an opportunity for the flesh," Paul says (Galatians 5.13). It is, instead, to be used as an opportunity to serve one another in love.

To follow Christ is to walk in the Spirit. The Spirit conforms us to the image and likeness of Christ, who is the  perfect image and likeness of God. To be thus conformed is to be free indeed, to love and serve God in his kingdom forever and ever.