October 5
Service
Through Love
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Daily Steps
The Call to Mission (Day 279) is fulfilled not just by speaking the Gospel, but by living it through practical action. This verse defines the foundation of Christian service: our spiritual freedom is not a license for selfishness, but a mandate to serve one another humbly in love.
The peace in this principle is found in liberated humility:
The Gift of Freedom: The new believer has been called to be free from the bondage of sin and the Law. This freedom is a cornerstone of lasting happiness (The Fullness of Joy, Day 263) and removes all fear of judgment (Day 227).
The Warning of Indulgence: Paul immediately warns against misusing this freedom to indulge the flesh (The Final Command, Day 260). True freedom does not lead to selfish pleasure, but to dependence on God (Day 248) and selfless action.
The Mandate for Service: The purpose of freedom is clarified: rather, serve one another humbly in love. This means that practical service is the highest expression of sincere love (Day 217). Service must be characterized by humility (The Discipline of Humility, Day 234), mirroring the attitude of Christ (Day 235), and demonstrating the tangible reality of the kingdom of God (Day 268).
Your peace is secured by liberated humility. Embrace the Practice of Service today by refusing to indulge the flesh and instead choosing to serve one another humbly in love, knowing that this Christ-like action is the most powerful witness to the Gospel.
Reflective Question
In what area of your life are you currently misusing your spiritual freedom to indulge the flesh (e.g., self-centered entertainment, laziness)? What is one specific, humble act of service can you perform for another person in love today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that I have been called to be free. I confess my failure to use that freedom to serve. I pray for the humility and discipline to resist indulging the flesh. Secure my peace today, as I choose to serve one another humbly in love, making my life a clear and powerful demonstration of Your Call to Mission. Amen.
