For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
When Jesus died on the cross, he didn’t just give us a way to spend eternity in heaven; he gave us a life that is full and free, here and now. But whether we realize it or not, we all live, at times, as people who are not free. We may feel the freedom to choose how we spend our time, the relationships we want to pursue and the ones we want to leave behind, the work we want to do, and more. But we’re all bound in other ways that might not be as obvious. Anytime we look for what we desire—what we need most—apart from God, we’re not living as free people. We become enslaved to the approval of others, the negative thoughts that tell us we don’t matter, our cravings for achievement, and so much more.
That kind of enslavement is a result of sin. Sin is anything that separates us from God and tells us we need something more than him. When we see sin in that way, it’s easier to see the areas in which we’re bound and imprisoned.
But that is not God’s plan for us. He sent his Son into the world to get us out of that prison. Jesus set us free! We don’t have to be stuck, caught up in thoughts and behaviors that prevent us from living a full life. There’s a different way now. God wants to renew our minds, change our hearts, and draw us to him as our source of everything we need.
Prayer
God, I thank you for giving the most you could possibly give to set me free. You saw the bondage of sin—my sin—and sent your Son, Jesus, to set me free. I take this moment to recognize there are times, situations, and relationships in which I am living as someone who is not free. I quickly fall for the lie that I need something more than you, when the truest thing about me is that I need nothing more than you. Help me recognize the signs and signals that I am chasing the wrong things. Help me grow in my desire for you. Show me more of your presence today and help me grow in my dependence on, and enjoyment of, our relationship.
