Free in Love

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Galatians 5:17 NIV

Yesterday, January 16 I mentioned in my blog entry that I changed for the better - but the world was/is not that impressed. I prayed to the Lord for His Word to be revealed to me this afternoon, and that's Galatians 5:17. Truly, my God has spoken to me once more.

I feel nostalgic! I remember the good old days. 

Eversince I was in my younger years I used to think that the one religion I belong to is the best because I am free to do anything! There are no restricted foods, no restricted activities aside from the illegal ones (I was so sure that I was not a sinner! Haha!), no forcing to attend this and that, blah blah.. But reading through the whole chapter of Galatians 5, it reminds me of the freedom I have now compared before.

I used to drink and be merry until alcohol controlled me. The world was impressed. I thought I was cool because of it. I thought I was free. But now? As I assess my life as a drunkard - - oops! No way! I was not free at all. I was drinking with a heavy heart, thinking my problems can be washed by beers and hard liquors. I became wasted, laughing and crying at the same time. I came home exhausted, no rest at all. I endured hang overs! And to sum it all - it was, indeed, a total waste of time, money and energy.

I thought it was just a nonsense command by the religious to not be drunk. But when I came to know Christ, I became free! It just came to me unknowingly that I am already obeying because I love my Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind. Truly, what comes out of a person's thoughts, words, and actions are reflections of what is in the heart.

People around me may not be impressed, but I am still happy because I know that when we please the Lord in everything we do, it is ALWAYS WORTH IT. 

Praises and glory and honor to our dear LORD JESUS FOREVER!

-meliza e.