I used the think freedom was doing what I wanted to. Being free to do whatever I felt like doing sounded good, but it got me in trouble. I chased excess food to soothe my emotions and fill places that only God can satisfy. This excess food kept me from drawing closer to God and caused weight gain. My understanding of freedom needed changing to include the freedom Jesus gives me.
Galatians 5:13 is, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015
Christ gives me the freedom to live without guilt and shame. Following my desires is the opposite of freedom. I will never be satisfied by seeking worldly desires. Serving others in love feeds my spirit. This truly satisfies me, so I draw closer to the Lord. Jesus guides me to walk in His freedom, so I am free to say, “No” to food my body does not need.