Self-indulgence comes in many forms and even the perfectly pious
can be bound by it. Granted the more obvious forms are found in
Paul’s long list of the fleshly fruits but self-righteousness is just as limiting
and destructive as licentiousness. So those who indulge the more carnal desires
sell themselves short and pay dearly for what appears to be living large.
Those who do not indulge the flesh but are intoxicated with pride biting and devouring
one another also pay dearly for the illusion of freedom and do not experience
the true fruits of the pious life. But the freedom for which we have been set
free is to be in relationship with one another and all people in the same way
that Jesus freely loved and gave himself up for the sake of the world. Now it
may appear that having one’s hands and feet fastened to wood is the opposite of
freedom but that is the way of God who chooses to be emptied that we might be
filled. If freedom is defined by living the fruit of the Spirit list then it doesn't matter if you are behind bars or nailed to a cross. So we crucify the desire
that would drive us insane as well as the passion to control everyone else for
the sake of being free to be bound to others.
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