Freedom is the ability to make choices. Slaves don’t get to choose. They do as directed by their masters.
When we are made new creations in the power of Jesus, it gives us a new capacity to choose. We are no longer slaves to our flesh. We have the power to chart a godly path. We have the power to choose.
And our choice is binary. We can either choose to indulge the flesh, as before, or we can choose to humbly love others. We can now walk in the Spirit or we can continue to walk in the flesh. There is no third option offered.
This Galatians passage goes on to tell us the consequences of our decision. We reap what we sow. If we indulge the flesh, we will reap relationships characterized by biting and devouring. Turmoil. Division. Bitterness. Separation.
On the other hand, if we sow to the Spirit and serve one another in love, the entire law of God is fulfilled. That means harmony, togetherness, teamwork, and unity.
Jesus set us free from our fleshly taskmaster. But we are still free to go under its power. Paul urges us to recognize our freedom and make the right choice. To choose love rather than strife. And that begins with humbly serving others.