“We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6 NLT
It truly is amazing the freedom we have in Christ when we accept Him. But it’s not a magic pill or automatic trigger for a life of freedom from sin. Did you notice that word might in the verse above? It’s kind of like having the prison cell door opened, but it is up to us to not only walk out, but to live in such a way that we do not fall back into the prison of sinful behavior. Just like studies have shown that released convicts are very prone to repeating their same mistakes, we too, if we are not careful can have the same happen to us. We are creatures of habit and given time and a lack of discipline, we fall. The answer I believe is found in this same chapter.
“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:13 NLT
As creatures of habit, when we are trying to break ourselves of our vices, studies have shown that we need to replace bad habits with good ones. So we find that here in this verse. “Instead” signals a change of behavior. Of course that is often easier said than done. I mean after all, our vices are usually quite enjoyable. Sometimes, they may even seem harmless or innocent. The trick of course is moderation with many of these things. I can think of a few for myself that if I am not careful can lead me down a path that is not glorifying to God
What about you? What’s keeping you from true freedom? If nothing is coming to mind, then pray about it. Ask God to show you what parts of your heart, body, mind and soul are holding you back from serving God with everything. He promises to answer that prayer in His word.
Allen (allen4myfamily)
Sixty-six books in a year 