The proverb “Man is free but everywhere in chains” is well known. It is true that slavery of one kind or another seems to tug persons in diverse directions. We frequently defy God and make decisions that deprive us of His blessings because of our free will. Many sinful tendencies that we once freed ourselves from have now become the standard. Today, the freedom we take for granted has led to a great deal of unhappiness and strife among us. Put on a spiritual magnifying glass and look closely at the beliefs and practices we follow. Are any of them holding us back and preventing us from spending more [time in God’s presence]?
- Social media, television, entertainment programs, concerts?
- Social gatherings, sports, fun activities, or parties with friends?
- Quest for knowledge or even a very busy work life?
- Food, beverages, alcohol, other addictions?
- The need to amass more wealth or power?
The aforementioned elements may seem to offer us comfort, security, or independence for various reasons, but they actually have the same power over us as addictions. We become the corruption’s slaves. A person is slaves to whatever overcomes them, according to 2 Peter 2:19. In John 8:34, Jesus states”I tell you the truth: everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”
Even though we were created in God’s image, we sold ourselves in as slaves to every form of unrighteousness as soon as we disobeyed Him. Over the ages, we have committed more sin, and as a result, we have detached our consciences from God’s demands for holiness. We’ve taken on obscene tendencies from our homes, friend circles, and social media in addition to our own selfish demands since we’ve been so strongly encouraged to think, say, and behave anyway we choose. (Romans 7:14–25).
The consequences
While some people are capable of overindulging, others make less of an effort to put up with these tendencies. In either case, these become deeply ingrained in a person’s life and lead to a desire for material belongings, status, power, and money. It quickly breeds conceit and avarice, which frequently ends up ruining people’s lives, relationships, reputations, and health.
Some people look for tranquility, while others wonder why they are here on Earth and find no solace in anything. According to 1 John 2:16, “for everything that is in the world—the pride in possessions, the desires of the flesh, and the desires of the eyes—is not from the Father but from the world.” There is a risk of falling victim to larger indulgences for all time, which could result in eternal damnation.
A way out
Christ made the decision, according to the Bible, to set us free from all forms of servitude (John 8:34–36). The devil takes great pleasure in using man as a slave when his conscience and willpower fail, but God is merciful and forgiving to those who yearn for redemption. This demands sincere repentance and faith in Jesus. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires,” reads Romans 13:14.This entails following Jesus’ teachings and living a holy and upright life as opposed to pursuing worldly pleasures and desires.
It is imperative that we acknowledge that even though Jesus was sinless, He nevertheless had to die on the cross in order to atone for our sins. In order to be free from the burden of slavery, we must voluntarily put to death (give up) our old sinful nature (Romans 6:6-7) and maintain our resolve by accepting the freedom that Christ offers (Galatians 5:1). In cases where our interests or habits impede our spiritual development, a clear boundary needs to be created.
How can we stand firm?
Now that God has shown us favor, His pardon serves as a reminder to live a life of devotion to Him because He bought us with His blood (1 Peter 1:18–19). According to John 15:15, Jesus refers to us as His “friends,” and He desires a closer, more meaningful relationship with everyone of us. He assures us that His Holy Spirit will reassure, uplift, and lead us into His truth.
- It is imperative that we commit our time and energy to reading the Bible, going to a church that can guide us in our spiritual journey, and spending time in private prayer to God.
- As stated in Romans 6:15–18, we should avoid routines or circumstances that could entice us to return to our sinful ways and instead cultivate a close relationship with other Christians who will support us in living holy lives.
- Keep an eye on your attitude, words, and thoughts. James 1:19–26 instructs us to study God’s law and make our own corrections. We must make amends with those we have wronged if we have. If we have resentment, please be forgiving.
- In addition, we need to protect ourselves from negative influences that could lead us away from becoming sincere followers of Christ, such as conceit, avarice, and an incorrect feeling of self-righteousness.
True freedom
Every person was made by God with a purpose in mind and is a co-heir of His heavenly kingdom. He desires that we exercise our free will to do what is right in His eyes. Galatians 5:13 states, “Brothers, you were called to freedom.” Just serve one another out of love and do not use your freedom as a means of satisfying your lusts for material gain. God desires for us to be entirely freed from sin in order to renew our lives, but He also wants us to cast off everything that stands in the way of our spiritual progress and focus on Jesus in order to transmit the baton to others (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Therefore, if your wealth, youth, or privileges make you a slave to sin, it’s time you reevaluate the risks and decide to take up Christ’s free gift of freedom.
