“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law” (1 Corinthians 9:19-20)
Listen carefully here. In Christ you have gained freedom from obligations: obligation in the way the old Adam sees these things, through guilt and manipulation. You are free to be and there is nothing you need, or can do to gain what Christ freely gives. However, if this new heart of freedom is in you, then there will be a desire to see that those around you also gain this freedom; for the new heart loves the neighbor.
Lord, help me to see the simplicity of this. I know that in this world, even amongst those who practice Christianity, there is much manipulation. Let me not be this way, but come to the place that I see it as a privilege to serve where and when You would have me serve. Guide me in the Gospel way that I might now and always be led by You and the new heart You have given me.
Lord Jesus, by Your example, show me the way of seeing the doing of good as a privilege. Lead me to have a heart for my neighbor such that I may live into Your likeness. Guide me by Your goodness to willingly do those things which You assign and never with any sense of obligation other than to please You.. Teach me, Lord, how to live this new life that I may forever walk in Your presence. Amen.
