I read these words this morning: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.” Gal. 5:13-15 (Emphasis mine).

Such interesting thoughts. Paul tells us we have been called to liberty. Freedom in Christ. I am “free” to do what I want. But there is one caveat that goes along with that-and Paul mentions it: I am not free to indulge the flesh. Instead, I am to serve others. Freedom in Christ was never to be used for self-indulgence. It was never to be used to meet Bill’s agenda. As someone has wisely said: “Your freedom stops at the end of my nose.” (or mine stops at the end of yours).

I get that. And I get Paul’s next words that we are to serve another. As are you. But what really got me were the words he used next: “If you bite and devour one another.” Such a vivid word picture! I get the picture of a wolf pack attacking its prey, or worse, if they were to turn on each other. What an ugly picture of the body of Christ turning on each other.  Gossip. Slander. Shouting. Accusations slung. Heated arguments. Violent words spoken. None of which fulfills what Paul just said-serve one another. In this day of accusations, hot-heads, and vulgar rantings, be a voice of quiet and reason. 

Let’s not turn on each other, especially as the body of Christ.

“Father, let me enjoy my freedom, but not at the expense of someone else. Let me be a voice of quiet reason and loving words.”