Oxymoron? Contradiction?

How can we be slaves and still free? “The Christian is a perfectly free slave to all, subject to all,” says Luther. We are partners in Christ’s death and resurrection. Being free does not mean being self-centered, but “slaves to one another” (Gal. 6:13). Luther got what Paul said; in fact, it was the book of Romans that changed Martin’s life.

God employs the oxymoronic and contradictory, the exact opposite of what the world expects. The cross stands in the midst of everything. It is a better way, a more fruitful way to yes, struggle and suffer. As partners in the mission of God, we are perfectly free to endure all things and hope all things. It is the ultimate victory that helps us get through the defeats. We need not be shaped by the news of the day, letting differences become personal attacks. Dare I say we should celebrate our enslavement to the Gospel, not matter what it costs and where it takes us?

The Son makes us free, so we are free indeed. We worship and serve not because we have to but because we get to. Even when we are held to account for doing the right thing, it credits to our favor in the end. Everything the world tells us is gain, we can toss into the trash.

 The unconditional love that claims us as God’s priceless possession also sets us free from the care and anxiety of this world.  

Pastor Art