May I Have This Dance?

When we were first dating, my husband, Steve, and I took ballroom dance lessons. It was a fun experience, but we certainly didn’t win any prizes for synchronization and beauty. I wish I was a better dancer. Steve would suggest that I’m not good at following his lead. However, if we had continued to practice, I’m sure our dancing partnership would have improved. But did you know that the subject of dancing is indirectly referred to in the Bible? Essentially, in Galatians 5, the Holy Spirit is asking us, May I have this dance?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25

Two options are presented in these verses: slavery or freedom. Of course, we all desire freedom. We want the power to act, speak, or think, without hindrance or restraint. Do you know that you have freedom in Christ? Galatians 5 contrasts living under the law of slavery with living in the freedom of the Spirit.

The Yoke of Slavery

What is the yoke of slavery? Basically, before Jesus entered the scene, people were required to obey the letter of the law. Attempts to obey, were of course, a dismal failure, because no one is capable of obeying 613 Old Testament laws. Consequently, keeping the law was an impossible task, and became a yoke of slavery.

When I think of a yoke of slavery, an image of an ox comes to mind. On the back of a stubborn ox, rests a yoke with a heavy and burdensome harness. The ox doesn’t want to be led. Because the ox is resisting, a yoke is needed to direct and to pull the ox along. The yoke is a tool to ensure obedience. One way or another, the animal is forced to comply.

Freedom in the Spirit

In contrast, what does the Holy Spirit offer? This is explained in the following.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Therefore, in contrast to the yoke of slavery, by the end of Galatians 5, the author has introduced the idea of freedom in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:25. In another translation it reads, Keep in step with the Spirit.