Choosing to Live in Bondage.

I find it ironic that so many people who are legally made free in Jesus still choose to live in bondage by placing themselves under the slavery of the Law and living in the deception that it is the Gospel.

D. L. Moody illustrated this point by quoting an old former slave woman in the South following the Civil War. Being a former slave, she was confused about her status and asked: "Now is I free, or been I not? When I go to my old master he says I ain't free, and when I go to my own people they say I is, and I don't know whether I'm free or not. Some people told me that Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation, but master says he didn't; he didn't have any right to".

Many Christians are confused on the same point. Jesus Christ has given them an "Emancipation Proclamation," but their old master "Religion" tells them they are still slaves to a religious relationship with Religion. They live in bondage because "old master Religion" has deceived them.
 
Paul warns us of the futility of embracing the law as our way to walk with God. 

Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Again Paul says; For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

"For all the law is fulfilled": This attitude of service towards one another fulfills the great commandment (You shall love your neighbor as yourself), and it keeps us from destroying ourselves through strife (beware lest you be consumed by one another!). It's as if Paul addressed the legalists again, and said: "You want to keep the law? Here you have it: Love your neighbor as yourself and you have fulfilled the law in one word."

The words of Paul...And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

When we are so cock-sure we are always right in our opinions, perceptions, bible interpretations and doctrines...be assured, it will definitely provoke other people and be the source of many disputes, disagreements ending in segregation.