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Perilous Freedom

by Abby Kelly  
11/14/2014 / Devotionals

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:13-14

Did you know freedom can be dangerous?

I am the oldest of four girls. Growing up, I was often given special privileges and responsibilities and freedoms that my sisters were not able to enjoy.

"There's something special about being the oldest," my dad said. "You get to do some things that they aren't allowed to do yetlike staying up later or riding your bike alone over to a friend's house."

When I was about ten-years-old, one of the things I liked to do that my sisters were still too young to do, was help mom in the kitchen. Sometimes, when she made tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, I helped to stir the soup on the stove top. I also got to help chop the cucumbers for the salad at dinner time, carry hot serving dishes to the table and wash the dishes when everyone was done.

If you've got little brothers or sisters, you know that many times they want to do exactly what you are doing. They admire your freedom and maturity and want to imitate you, but that can be dangerous.

One day, my mom caught my sister just in time as she reached toward the stove and a pot of boiling water. "No!" she said firmly. "Jenny, you're not old enough to help me in the kitchen just yet. I'm sorry, but you could get hurt."

Jenny's lower lip stuck out and she began to pout. "But Abby gets to do it!"

"Abby is older and she is able to do somethings that you can't do yet." Mom led Jenny out of the kitchen. "Abby," she called to me. "I know you like to help me and I'm glad that you're able to, but Jenny isn't old enough. She could get hurt trying to imitate you. Can you please stay out here with her and read a book or something while I finish making lunch?"

At first I was disappointed. Jenny's immaturity was infringing on my freedom, my special privileges. But later that night, as she tucked us in, Mom sat on the foot of my bed.

"Thank you for understanding this afternoon and being willing to give up your freedom to help me in the kitchen. Galatians 5 talks about this kind of situation and I think it will help you understand how God wants us to give up our rights and freedoms sometimes for the sake of others." She picked up my Bible from the nightstand and turned to the passage.

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Mom closed the Bible and kissed my forehead. "Why don't you say the prayer tonight?"

Lord, thank you for our freedom in Christ. Thank you that, because of Jesus, you always forgive us when we make mistakes. Help us Father to love others the way that you love us and to understand that sometimes that means sacrificing our rights and the things we want to do. Teach us to be like you. In Jesus Name, Amen

* This story is fictional and was first published in 'Tween Girls and God.

Learn more about me on my website: http://predatory-lies.com/about-me/

Please find my book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Predatory-Lies-Anorexia-Kelly-ebook/dp/B00HFGMBJA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389645006&sr=8-1&keywords=predatory+lies

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