Freedom from the ‘Shoulds’
Galatians 5:1 - 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.
This week in our sermon series on the Juicy Life we are focusing on self-control. I grew up in a church that excelled at emphasizing self-control. We had a clearly defined list of things to avoid and rules to follow. It left me with a seemingly impossible list of ‘shoulds’ and shame when I could not live up to those standards. There is something to be said for self-control. It’s a critical component for growth, but compulsion to comply was not the way to obtain it.
In Scripture, Paul is often associated with compelling Christians to live a constrained life, but he also offers a view of grace that is so radical it’s hard to comprehend. It can seem like a bit of a paradox. As Christians, Christ has set us free from sin. I don’t believe Jesus set us free to make us bondservants to some other list of unattainable behaviors. No, it’s much more beautiful than that. Instead, we have received grace that covers our failure and gives us the space we need to learn how to love ourselves and others better. Within that love we find an invitation to self-control so that we can avoid another ‘yoke of slavery’ created by our own bad habits. We have the opportunity to make healthier choices. Grace allows us to begin again, not because we have to but because through love’s embrace, we get to.
Is there any place in life where you would like a fresh start to make better choices? Sunday Sophie and Luis led us in a song by Elevation Worship. It reminds us that as we walk this journey, Jesus is here to help us. I invite you to meditate on the lyrics.
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today, there's no reason to wait
Jesus is callingBring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes, a new life is born
Jesus is callingO come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
-Mitzi Myers