To choose to be a slave

For freedom Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.  For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.  (Galatians 5:1, 13)

Do you hear any contradictions in this passage?  You are free - do not submit to the yoke of slavery, and yet, become slaves of one another?

I was thinking about this today.  Could it be, that even if we don't recognize it, we are all slaves to something?  Are we slaves to material gain?  Our schedule?  Are we slaves to our own selfishness?  Our pride?  What rules our lives?

Christ calls us to the freedom he offers -- freedom to leave all of that behind and serve each other in love.  To choose to be a servant or slave to each other.  To choose it.  For truly, love must be chosen - there is no other way.

We have the choice to love ourselves more than we love the person next to us.  We have the choice to be blinded to the needs of others by our own self-centeredness.  I ought to know!  I find myself there quite often.

Christ offers us a different way.  Voluntary servanthood.

What difference does is make if service is voluntary?  All the difference in the world.  In this is freedom.  To offer service freely is to offer grace.