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Romans 6:11-18
In New York Harbor stands the Statue of Liberty. This world-renowned icon symbolizes the freedom that Americans cherish. We seek to spread this freedom to the oppressed around the globe. Yet even in the “land of the free,” many individuals are held captive by sinful habits and mind-sets.
A country’s liberty usually depends upon military might and governmental decrees. However, personal freedom has to do with a decision to protect the heart, mind, and body from evil influences.
In a nation built upon independence, we call ourselves “free” as long as we aren’t in jail or somehow prevented from pursuing our interests. But is the man bent upon revenge “liberated”? Is the woman addicted to painkillers “free”?
The Enemy’s arsenal contains all kinds of temptations to occupy one’s time and attention. The need to attend to these habits, substances, and attitudes consumes a person. It draws his or her focus away from God. Then, as the Devil distracts, he also employs one of his greatest deceptions. Satan convinces people that their chains don’t really exist. He teaches them how to rationalize that “Just a little won’t hurt”. Or you begin to outright deny things saying “I can stop anytime I want”.
According to the Bible, men and women are either slaves of God or slaves to sin. There is no middle ground. Those serve Satan feeding their selfish impulses. Meanwhile, the “slaves of God” enjoy true freedom. They honor the Lord by keeping away from those things that imprison the body, emotions, or thoughts.
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