Romans 6:16
16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
When talking about slavery, we cringe at the memories of our African-American brothers and sisters who were treated with such ugliness. When we read about today’s modern-day slavery, we label human trafficking, we burn with anger. Yet, we seldom look at sin as our captive owner and that we would call ourselves slaves. We pride ourselves, even go to war for our freedom.
In the quietness of our soul, we find ourselves battling things such as alcohol, drugs, sex, food, codependency, work, spending, power, hatred, resentment, jealousy, envy, and greed that enslave our bodies, minds, and souls. Yet we refuse to accept that we are SLAVES.
What we don’t realize is the root of slavery lies in one or more of these internal sins that control us. There can be no outward sin without an internal sin, which manifests itself externally. Only hatred, power, and greed could ever cause a person to convince themselves they have a right to own another human being.
Paul tells us to be aware of this battle within, to turn the battle over to Christ to fight.
2 Corinthians 10:5
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
And by doing so, he will provide a way out.
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Yet there is one step – the most important step we are responsible for, and that is to…
“Admit that you, yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.”
Let’s abolish slavery once and for all. Each time we admit to God that we need Him, we establish and take hold of our true freedom. When we are free, we then can help free others.
Just a Thought…
