Free To Serve Others

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God…” (Romans 1:1 ESV).

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV).

Much is said today regarding “freedom”—the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. 

We advocate for “free speech,” and resent being told what we can—or cannot—do. Public protests fill our streets with people defending their “rights” and persuading others to champion their “cause de jour.” 

As precious as our independence is, our emancipation is not solely for personal benefit. We must remember that men and women were willing to sacrifice themselves on our behalf to provide our liberation.   

The apostle Paul relishes in his freedom from sin. He also recognizes that our freedom results from a costly sacrifice made by God, demonstrated by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

In the last few weeks, I’ve addressed how we are Free To Love, Not Lust, how we are Free From Slavery, and how we are Free From Sin, Not Righteousness. Our emancipation from sin was costly, and the benefits we receive because of Christ’s sacrifice are incredibly freeing. 

But the question remains: Why has Christ liberated us? For what purpose? Is our freedom exclusively ours to do, say, and act as we desire? That sounds self-serving, entitled, and selfish. We must be cautious not to fall into this trap, but to use our freedom in a way that serves others and honors God.

Freedom without a purpose greater than our self will become bondage.

Over the years, I have observed individuals enslaved to addictions (drugs, sex, gambling, alcohol, technology, you name it). The attractiveness and freedom to use “things” is not necessarily wrong. Sex is not a sin, money is not evil, and technology can be useful. Drugs (carefully used with medical guidance) can encourage healing. 

Paul instructed Timothy to: “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23).

Without discernment, even good things can become dangerous. 

I’ve seen the damage created physically, emotionally, and spiritually by misusing good things. I’ve listened to those who say, “Who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do?” I’ve observed people who insist their “freedom” gives them the right to do what they want, whenever and however they desire. 

However, I have also witnessed how acting on individual freedom can create severe consequences for others. Aside from the personal havoc experienced by those who abuse good things, enslavement to compulsive behavior of any kind impacts relationships. 

Sin separates. Any deviation from God’s expressed will and desire alienates us from God. This separation is not a punishment from God, but a natural consequence of our actions. Also, sinful behavior—though pleasurable and appeasing for the moment—can sever personal relationships. 

That’s why the proclamation of salvation and liberation from sin is Good News! 

Scripture provides the context of God’s saving acts throughout history. The Bible reveals how sin enslaves us and how, though we are sinners, God loves us and provides freedom for us through Christ’s death and resurrection. The Good News also reminds us we are not holy and righteous. Only God is. 

The question for each of us is: How will we choose to use our freedom? 

Paul acknowledges (although no longer a slave to sin) that he remains a “servant” to Jesus. “Servant” in Greek, δοῦλος is translated as “slave or bondservant.” He is free from sin, but he serves Christ, not himself. 

Paul refuses to allow his freedom to ignore others. Is he free from all? Yes. But he willingly chooses to serve others for a greater purpose than his freedom—so that others will also discover the incredible gift of freedom offered in Christ. In this service, he finds joy and fulfillment, a joy that is available to each of us when we use our freedom to serve others. 

The words of Peter, written to early Christian communities, remind us that our freedom is not a license to do whatever we want, but a call to serve God and others in love and humility:

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but [live] as servants of God.” (1 Peter 2:16 ESV).

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