Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Freedom in Christ
5 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.
There are people in many countries who believe they are free, because their governments allow them to worship God, speak and travel whenever they wish. But, despite the liberties that a constitution can guarantee them, the number of people who continue to live in slavery is innumerable. This is true because true freedom is not something that can be legislated, but the ability to live a righteous life in the mercy, grace, goodness and power of God.
True freedom means that:
Through Jesus Christ we are redeemed from the slavery of sin.
God has adopted us into his family, and we can walk with Him in the truth.
Our hope is sure. We can live with joy and trust, because we trust that the Lord will care for us today and always.
God has allowed us to become all that He set forth.
He has opened the door for us to be free of resentments, low self-esteem and other impediments that once dominated us. In addition, His Holy Spirit guides us and enables us to do whatever He wants.
By His grace, Christ has set us free so that we may relate to one another as He desires.
We can love and forgive in the power of God, because we have experienced the same of Him.
Is there anything that is hindering God's work in your life, or interfering with your peace and joy? Remember that we are free from the bondage of sin, but we have chosen to be slaves of the Lord Jesus. Only when we surrender and sacrifice everything to Him can we really live in freedom.