Spying On The Free

Galatians 2:4 (NIV) - "This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you." Ever been spied on by people who just want to enslave you to their traditions or way of thinking? That's nothing new - its been happening since the beginnings of Christianity. It really bothers some religious people when they see those who are free in Christ enjoying themselves. To some - if its fum, it must be sin. Don't let the spies take you back into bondage for things that are not clearly defined in Scripture. Those who are truly free can really irritate those who only pretend to be free. Same passage in The Message reads: "While we were in conference we were infiltrated by spies pretending to be Christians, who slipped in to find out just how free true Christians are. Their ulterior motive was to reduce us to their brand of servitude. We didn't give them the time of day."