Contemplative Bible Reading

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

In this verse, Paul was referring to the old law as the “yoke of slavery.” The Galatians were reverting back to something they knew. They were “addicted” to the rituals and regulations of the old law.

Yes, I used the word “addicted.” What else do you call something that you know is bad for you, but you still keep going back to it anyway?

Just this morning I received some news at work that I didn’t like. The news wasn’t important. What was important and what caused me to notice this verse was my reaction to the news. I was angry and dejected. My reaction was to brood on the news for several hours. Heated discussions ran through my head. I knew just what needed to be said to a few people at work, and I was just the person to say those words. If I just had my chance at those conversations, I would set people straight on what was really happening what we should really be doing.

How many times have I fallen back into that slavery of “I will tell everyone just what they need to know?”

That childish and vindictive reaction has been with me as long as I can remember. When will I throw away that yoke that hinders me?

So, when is a good time to discard an old, destructive yoke? How about everyday? How about every hour? How about every time that it raises its head and says, “Hey Dwayne. Come back to me right now.”

I don’t have to be vindictive any more. I have Christ in me and I can give a cool drink to someone who curses me. I can throw away the old trash that weighs on me.