Galatians 4:6-7 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,* Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

This should certainly gladden the heart of any believer! It is particularly nice after yesterday’s sermon which spoke of our being slaves, either to sin or to obedience, referencing Romans 6:16. None of the various figures of speech are completely adequate to express the relationship we have with our heavenly Father through faith in Jesus Christ, which is why the Bible sometimes seems contradictory even in passages written by the same person, in this case Paul. Our flesh is certainly of the slave nature, and that’s why we should never leave control of our lives with our flesh. Rather, we need to choose obedience to the Holy Spirit. As this passage points out, it is the Holy Spirit who gives us assurance that we are God’s children, and He is the one who manifests the character of Christ in us. That character is described in this same letter, in 5:22-23, famously expressed as the Fruit of the Spirit. If we don’t want to be slaves, then we need to let the Holy Spirit help us act like God’s children!

As every believer has, I’ve experienced this reality from both sides many times. However, as a pastor I’m charged with helping many people live as children of God rather than as slaves. That’s much easier to do with those who are close than with those who are far away, either physically or emotionally. Actually, physical distance is less of a problem than emotional distance. I have more success with some people by telephone than with others in person! I need to remember that I can’t really help anybody in my own wisdom and strength, because those are totally insignificant. Rather, I’ve got to rely on the Holy Spirit to give me the right words at the right time and act according to His directions. I am not to manipulate people through psychology, but rather liberate them through the Spirit. The answer, first and last, for the slave mentality is the Holy Spirit, because “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Father, even as I write I realize that I don’t walk fully in this myself. Help me continue to grow in walking in perfect step, perfect harmony with Your Spirit, both so that I won’t be controlled by the flesh and so that I will be able to help others likewise walk in liberty, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!