Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.

In writing to the church in Galatia, Paul declared that they had been called to freedom in Christ Jesus and that they should not allow themselves to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Specifically he was referring to the legally required practice of circumcision and decried the fact that they were trying to be justified by it rather than by faith in the grace which Christ’s death provides. He urged them that their new found freedom should not be used to indulge their sinful nature but rather should be expressed in love and service to one another.

The entire law for their new life was summed up in “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How was this going to be possible? It could only be lived by the indwelling Spirit of God. When you listen to the Spirit of God it becomes possible to live in freedom meaning that you spend less time trying to avoid doing wrong and instead follow his lead to do the things which please God.

The Spirit of God will lead you to shun mediocrity and rise to God-centered challenges. Trying to fulfill the low expectations set for you by your environment or peers can be very limiting. Instead ask God to show you what he wants you to be doing with the life he has given you. I am slowly finding out that “Love your neighbor as yourself” is not just a concept it actually takes being in a position to help them physically and financially if they need it. How are you going to do that if you are bogged down with your own burdens? If God has set you free, live the life he has called you to.