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 NIV).
I have heard of slaves who were given freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation who still chose to live in slavery. For them, freedom was a frightening unknown. I think of the Israelites who were freed from their slavery in Egypt, yet longed for the food they received while in captivity (Exodus 16:3; Numbers 11:5). They were willing to become slaves again just to satisfy their appetites.
Freedom can be overwhelming, and it may seem that we are really sacrificing the "good life" to be set free by Christ. To truly understand the weight of sin and self is to begin to grasp the preciousness of our freedom in Christ. This understanding is a continuing process for me. I give up my freedom when I insist on being in control, demanding my own happiness and building walls of protection. All of these behaviors seem right and feel comfortable, but they ultimately become heavy burdens.
God clearly calls us to "give up" this cumbersome, defeating "old self," I think more than anything this means grasping the truth that I have the power to lay aside these encumbrances. I don't have to be a slave to sin, to myself or others in order to feel good about who I am. I don't have to have the world tell me what will make me happy. True freedom is realizing that apart from Christ, I am not free. If I really want to experience this "addictive aliveness," then I will throw off everything that hinders me from being truly alive. Author: Cynthia Healed
The three things that the enemy is trying to entangel us into again is: sexual sins, lying, and stealing. Stay prayerful and meditate in the Word. Submit yourself unto God and let Him daily work on us, shaping and transforming us into His image. HAVE YOUR WAY IN OUR LIVES FATHER!
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