The Correct Use Of Liberty. 11/14/2014 (Evening thought)

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

This passage of scripture teaches us that there is a correct way to use the liberty that Christ has purchased for us, and it should never be used to serve the carnal desires of the flesh. In other words God did not save us that we may continue to choose sin, but rather that we may walk in newness of life. The admonition is given in the context of fulfilling the law of love as it pertains to our interaction with one another, in that we should love our neighbor, and our brethren as we do ourselves. The implementation of this principle would thus prevent the discord, alienation, and arguments that were now plaguing the Galatian churches, as the apostle Paul pointed out. Let's read:

Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

One of the lusts of the flesh that often runs riot in the Christian's life is the tendency and desire to win an argument or to have the last word. Many of us are not content for other opinions to be accepted instead of our own, and some of us even go so far as to stop talking to those of our brethren who we may not agree with. Situations such as these even obtain when we are studying the Bible, which is ironical, for the very same word teaches us that we should not indulge in an argumentative spirit, for this does not proceed from God. Some of the most bitter arguments amongst Christians have erupted over different interpretations of the Bible, for one believes that he has the correct understanding whilst another refuses to accept anything but the plain utterances of holy writ.

While it is good to stand firmly for the truths that are written in the Scriptures, yet we should never manifest an un-christlike attitude in defending what we believe, for it does not matter so much who is right or wrong, but more importantly, the spirit in which the discourses are conducted. In other words it is better to lose an argument and win a soul, than to win an argument, and alienation be the result. Furthermore, people are never won to Christ by arguments, but instead, through the deep moving of The Holy Spirit upon the heart.

Whenever we are in conversation or discourse upon theological issues, or any other topic for that matter, it's important that we control our emotions, regardless of how strongly we may feel about our personal point of view, and if we walk humbly with God we will be more than willing to let His word have the last say. Especially should we avoid raising our voices, or speaking over another person, for this fans into life the lower passions of resentment, alienation, and self-preservation, and when left unchecked, it causes roots of bitterness to spring up within the brotherhood of believers.

Christ prayed for unity in doctrine, unity in spirit, and oneness in purpose for all those who accept the responsibilities which come with discipleship, and if we humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, He can enable us to resolve all differences of opinion in the spirit of meekness, without causing wounded feelings and sarcastic speeches. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which shows us the right spirit which should characterize all of our interactions with each other, and through the grace and power of God, we can indeed live in peace and harmony happily ever after. Let's read:

James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!