Interpretations of Freedom: A Little Yeast

It has been good for me to reconceptualize my understanding of freedom, and in my effort to convey that to y’all, I’ve found myself swirling in some emotions that I genuinely didn’t realize were that big. 

I try to focus on scripture in these blogs, but I feel compelled to start this one a little differently. Ya girl has been struggling with a mixed bag of 12-year-old B’s feelings and present-day B’s responsibilities. Oh, and if I’m honest, the political climate hasn’t helped at all. I don’t like to talk about this sort of stuff because I don’t like division. I’m literally researching peace for my dissertation, so the last thing I want my voice to contribute to is division. But whew, I’ve found myself questioning if God will really protect me through all of the craziness happening in the world. That questioning opened up a spiral that makes for some pretty funny jokes but horrible realities. 

But wait, aren’t we supposed to be talking about Freedom? That’s what I’ve been asking myself. So why, in the midst of dissecting freedom, am I questioning God? Isn’t it amazing how God will use anything in our life to show us Himself? It is the agony of doubt and unbelief that creates the barrier between us and the freedom that only Christ can provide. 

Now, let’s take a look at Galatians 5. This Chapter starts with something you’ve probably heard many times, “It is for freedom that Christ has set up free.” The freedom this text speaks of is freedom from sin because of Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross. We are no longer bound because “It is for freedom that Christ has set up free.” 

But let’s read a little further — Paul tells us about the importance of not trying to earn freedom through the law but instead that our works are not valuable to the Lord; it is our faith. By the time we get to verse 7, he says, 

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 

So, let’s reconsider my recent doubts. Will God really protect me? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who has called me. Do we, as believers, experience doubt, worry, and fear? Of course, we do, but we cannot allow that little yeast to work through the whole batch of dough that is our lives and our hearts. Freedom is not evading the negative thoughts that creep into our human experience but instead surrendering them to Christ because no matter how crazy our lives or the world gets, “It is for freedom that Christ has set up free,” and we can trust Him through it all. 

Interpretation 3.