Ironically, true freedom in Christ means we become servants of God. Bob Dylan probably spoke to the issue better than anyone with his song, You Gotta Serve Somebody. He says, “It might be the devil, or it might be the Lord, but you gotta’ serve somebody.”
Our freedom in Christ brings joy and absolute satisfaction when we stop focusing on personal gain and instead focus on the Lord Jesus and the needs of others. As the scripture says in Philippians 4:19, God is faithful to supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. If we cling to that truth, we can release the tight grip on our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us.
When the Spirit takes control, bickering stops, focus intensifies, and the fruit of the Spirit begins to pervade the scene. Unrest, fighting, riotous living, and selfishness are replaced with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. This brings unity and harmony in every situation.
Paul made it clear that unity was needed in the Church at Galatia and it is still something we need today in the body of Christ. Sometimes, we focus on what we might gain from following the Lord instead of focusing on the selfless choice to serve others and to serve the Lord. That leads to bickering and division. It also robs us of the peace and the fruit of the Spirit.
Today, Lord, help me to deny myself and choose to be filled with your Spirit so I can serve others in Your name..
God Bless You
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh [g]sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you [h]please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: [i]immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, [j]factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, self-control; against such things, there is no law. 24 Now those who [k]belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also [l]walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
Walking With God 