4 This matter arose because some false believers(I) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on(J) the freedom(K) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. Galatians 2:4
These false teachers who came against Paul were devout Jews, possibly Pharisees who were jealous of the freedom the Gentiles had in Christ. They were bound in their own spirits and did not want to see others enjoying what they struggled so hard to keep. They only knew an “outward – circumcised righteousness,” while these Gentiles seemed to possess this righteousness at a very deep level without the outward pain.
I recognize that same attitude in my life when I see someone experiencing more freedom than I, who seems to be enjoying God’s presence in its simplicity without all the restrictions I have allowed to be placed on me by the church or well-meaning Christians. When I search scripture, I often find I have hung my spiritual hat on the wrong peg, the peg of tradition, or people-pleasing, false interpretations, or a works righteousness. It is sometimes much easier to keep a law, than to step into freedom that sets you apart from those around you.
Lord Jesus, forgive me when I have let another steal my joy, or make me feel guilty for a freedom that is found in your love. When law and love come into conflict in my life, I have sometimes chosen law which is so much easier to practice than love. Law often exerts power over a person, while love always involves servanthood and choice. Quicken my heart to choose LOVE and freedom that only YOU have the power to work in me.
Journey with Joyce 