What Freedom Looks Like
WHAT FREEDOM LOOKS LIKE
GALATIANS 5:22-26
None of us can afford to specialize in one part of the fruit of the Spirit at the expense of other parts.
The different fruit of the Spirit are the virtues of Jesus. This is an appropriate comment on these verses which describe the quality of Christian life which is produced by a practiced “walking in the Spirit.”
The metaphor of “walking” (in 5:16,25) is drawn from the Old Testament (eg Genesis 17:1; Psalm 1) and comes to mean the practical application in daily behavior of a person’s fellowship with God. Can you think of the Old Testament “hero of faith” whose life story is summed up in such a sentence? See Genesis 5:24.
It is not surprising therefore that victory in the moral battle is shown by the growth of the Christlike qualities named in 5:22-23. The Holy Spirit’s activity produces such a harvest of moral qualities which cover a person’s threefold relationship. In a person’s relationship with God there are the members of the first group (love, joy, peace; see also 2 Corinthians 13:14). In relations with other people, the second trio of patience, kindness and goodness marks out the person whose public life before others is a commendation of that person’s profession. In one’s personal life is a happy blend of faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Here is a threefold scope of human activity which may well set the standard for our lives, and one which is attained by those whose conduct is shaped by the Spirit (5:25).
5:24 is a solemn reminder, however, that this ethical harvest may only be expected if the ground is well plowed over, with weeds removed and the soil cleared of impurities. That is why there is the call to a process of self-denial, which puts the lower nature on the cross with Christ (2:20) and leaves no room for the gratifying of improper desires, aspirations and ambitions which would take over the kingly control of Jesus in our lives. And what is true in our personal life (5:24) will soon have its effect on our social relationships (5:26).