Last week as we celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States, I shared some thoughts about a “Declaration of Independence” Jesus made for all who believe in Him.
Jesus declared that those He sets free are free indeed!
This week I found myself continuing to think about that freedom and a verse from Galatians chapter 5:
“For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.” (Galatians 5:13 AMP)
It is interesting that Paul reminds us we have been called to freedom, but then immediately warns us about what we do with that freedom.
We can use our freedom to serve ourselves, or we can use our freedom to serve others.
I think sometimes we have made following Jesus too much about what God can do for us.
We pray for God to bless us, provide for us, heal us, protect us, open doors for us, and make our lives better.
And there is certainly nothing wrong with bringing our needs to the Lord. He cares about us and He invites us to come to Him with those needs.
But when I read the New Testament and look at the lives of those first followers of Jesus, I see something more.
They left their nets.
They opened their homes.
They shared what they had.
They cared for those in need.
They went wherever God sent them.
They endured hardship and persecution.
Some even gave their lives for the Gospel.
Following Jesus was not about adding Jesus to their lives so He could make their lives better.
Following Jesus changed the direction of their lives.
Somehow, I think we have gotten away from that.
Too often our faith becomes centered on what we want God to do for us, while the New Testament teaches us to ask what God wants to do through us.
Paul tells us that we have been set free, but our freedom was never intended to become another opportunity to live for ourselves.
We have been set free to love.
We have been set free to serve.
We have been set free to seek the best for one another.
Maybe we need to spend less time asking, “What can Jesus do for me?” and begin asking, “Jesus, what can I do for You?”
Who can I serve?
Who can I encourage?
Who can I help?
Whose life can be better because I decided to follow Jesus today?
You have been called to freedom!
Use your freedom to love God, serve others, and seek the best for those God puts in your path.
(Written by Doug Linser July 2026)
