CALLED TO BE FREE
Do you sometimes feel like nothing you do is ever enough or good enough? Or that your efforts never seem to measure up? Jesus says, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” But why does discipleship often feel so heavy? Why do we sometimes experience it as heavy and overwhelming? After all, we are called to be free, following the Spirit, not the law. This freedom is not just a concept; it’s the life we are invited into.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
We often strive to fulfill God’s commandments in our own strength, leaving us exhausted, while burdening ourselves with countless other things we think we “must” or “should” do—even though God has neither said nor expected these things from us.
What Does the Yoke of Slavery Mean?
The yoke of slavery refers to the law. When we are governed by the Spirit, we are no longer under the law but in freedom. In Christ, the entire law is fulfilled when we love our neighbor as ourselves (Galatians 5:14). But often, we try to fulfill the (old) law in our own strength instead of living in freedom and by the Spirit’s power.
1) The Goal: Living by the Spirit
In Galatians 5, we read not only about the fruits of the Spirit but also about our natural desires, the so-called “works of the flesh.”
The works of the flesh are: “Sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21).
In contrast, the fruits of the Holy Spirit are:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
God brings about these things in us; they do not come from our own strength. When we try in our own strength, we end up trying to fulfill the law. However, we are called to freedom and cannot earn God’s grace. His death on the cross was a gift.
2) Practical Application: Strengthening Fellowship with God
Our goal should be to have deep relationship with God, to know Him better, and to truly trust Him. The more we trust God, the easier it becomes to surrender control to Him. When we give up control, He can change us from the inside out and use us as He desires. Those led by the Spirit will also do God’s will.
How can we give the Spirit more room?
- Prayer: Spend daily time talking with God.
- Bible Reading: Explore God’s Word and let His promises encourage you.
- Worship: Sing and praise God for all the good in your life; worship Him.
- Reflection: Ask yourself where you have recently experienced God’s work.
Jesus says in John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice.”
Some Christians do not believe in God’s speaking, but this contradicts what Jesus says. God does not change. When we make room for His Spirit and His Word, the depth and intimacy of our relationship with Jesus will grow, and we will more clearly hear His voice and prompts. We will also experience more joy and peace in the midst of difficult circumstances.
3) Overcoming a False Image of God
We often think it is enough to do good and try to avoid sin. But following Jesus is about so much more. Many people struggle with fear and a false image of God. Some believe God will overwhelm them or that they cannot do His will. We hesitate to trust Him because we think we know better or fear He will take things away from us. But all these are lies.
Read for yourself:
- Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”
- Isaiah 43:1: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.”
- Matthew 11:30: “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
- Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Matthew 7:9-11: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”
- Psalm 37:4: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God is a good Father, and He truly loves us. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He has good plans for us.
A few years ago I saw this picture on Facebook. And it touched my heart deeply.
4) Living in the Freedom of Christ
The fruits of the Spirit are a testimony of God’s work in our lives. They not only bring fulfillment to us but also positively impact those around us. Living by the Spirit means trusting God’s guidance daily and asking Him to shape our hearts. (Image of Bible Verse)
We can rest in this truth: Our identity in Christ is the foundation for all transformation. Through Him, we are already justified, and the fruits of the Spirit are a natural result of this new life.
Discipleship means far more than avoiding sin. It’s about trusting God and surrendering control. When we are led by the Spirit, we will do God’s will and live in freedom:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:13-14).
Living in holiness also means honestly reflecting on whether we tolerate sin or compromise. God transforms us from the inside out when we are repentant and make room for Him.
You are called to freedom. Discipleship does not mean striving to fulfill the law in our own strength or burdening ourselves with countless obligations. Instead of being enslaved by our own efforts or the weight of our sins, we can let God take control. By remaining in the Spirit, seeking His fellowship, and trusting Him, He will transform us step by step. In doing so, He can use us as His vessels—exactly as He desires—to make a difference wherever He has placed us.
Take time today to consciously listen to God’s voice and let His Spirit guide you. Reflect on the areas of your life where you can trust Him more, so He can lead you into the freedom He has prepared for you.
