Freedom Lost for Gain

                This morning my husband and I were reflecting on our lives before our son was born. He has been alive less than a year and yet our lives have completely changed. The moment I became a parent, even before my son was born, I was no longer living just for myself. Every decision I make affects someone who is completely dependent on me. In a way, I have much less freedom now than I did before I became a mother, but in losing that freedom I gained something else so much more valuable that I doubt words can ever describe. Although I still take care of myself and my husband, now my son takes top priority in my decision making.

                In Galatians 2:19-21 I get the feeling that Paul is trying to explain a similarly elusive concept of the freedom we lose with the gift we gain in following Christ. He says this, “For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.” Because we are saved through Christ, we are no longer bound by the law but something so much more. Each of our decisions should take Christ into consideration because it is He that lives in us.

                Do I consider Christ when I make decisions for my family? Would others say that Christ lives in me or that I live for myself? How can I change my thinking or my priorities in order to take Christ into consideration? Do I really believe this is important?

                Lord, please help me to honor You in every aspect of my life. Help me to remember that my life belongs to You because of the sacrifice that Christ made. Remind me of the value of my salvation so that I will not forget. Amen.