Two Ways to Live (Galatians 4:24, ESV)

Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. (Galatians 4:24, ESV)

Abraham had two sons: one by Sarah (his wife) and one by Hagar (his wife's maid). I know its seedy, but that's what happened. Sarah's son (Isaac) was a freeman. Hagar's son (Ishmael) was not. Paul writes to the Galatians that there is a deeper meaning in this.  Paul sees two ways of life: freedom and slavery. What you believe either sets you free or enslaves you. Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32, ESV).

Believe the world is evil? Believe you are no good? Believe you are unworthy? Believe there is no hope? Believe there is no truth? Believe you are unlovable? These negative beliefs are enslaving. They are your chains. And they are lies. The truth never enslaves. The truth always liberates.

Believe God is love? Believe you are good? Believe you are worthy? Believe in hope? Believe in truth? Believe are lovable? These positive beliefs are liberating. They are your keys. They are the truth. The truth never enslaves. The truth always liberates.

Today, rejoice in the truth. You are loved. You are good. You are worthy. You have hope. You know the truth. You are lovable.