But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Galatians 4:29
Those who are in bondage or trapped in life will often give those who are more free a hard time. It comes from a spirit of jealously wanting what the free person has without doing what it took to get it. Instead of changing, people will ridicule and cut down others who have been made free to live their life to the fullest.
As Paul talks about the two children of Abraham, one being born of a bondwoman and the other of a free woman, he says that the one born of the flesh persecuted the one born of the Spirit, that is still the same to this day.
Jealousy runs rampant among people around the world. Those who don’t have a very fulfilling life are jealous of those who do. As that jealousy rises, people will begin to cut down those who have what they want. Attempts to break down the person to bring them to their level occurs all the time.
Throughout the church there are people who claim to be followers of Christ, but are still in bondage. They have not learned or accepted the freedom that Jesus brings through the Holy Spirit into the life of a believer. Holding on to the laws of do and do not, they continue to live in bondage.
Living in this way, they then begin to cut down and persecute those who are free in Christ and living the full and abundant life He promised. Rules upon rules are laid upon new believers, rather than pointing them to the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them in life. It is all about not doing, rather than what one can do for God.
God has a plan for you to live life to the fullest in the freedom found in Jesus. It is a freedom to live and not be bound to rules and regulations or sin. The more you follow Christ and live for Him, the more persecution will rise against you. Along with the world persecuting you, there will be some in the church who rise up against you. They will be jealous of the freedom you have in Christ. Do not give up living a full, abundant and free life in Jesus.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will strengthen you in times of persecution; that you will be born of the Holy Spirit; that you will live the free life Christ has given you; and that build you up in Jesus by His Holy Spirit.
Photo by Outward Bound Costa Rica on Unsplash
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