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
You might read that and think, “This doesn’t apply to me. I am not a slave.”
That word slave can trigger a lot of emotions for a lot of reasons. Saint Paul uses these words because they reflect what Jesus says to every one of us in the gospel of John.
As a matter of fact, Jesus is responding to a bunch of people who had the same thought as I wrote above… “This doesn’t apply to me. I am not a slave.”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34
Until we wrap our hearts and minds around the idea that we are slaves to sin, we have no real need for Jesus. With that mindset, attending church is just window dressing to a carefully manicured life.
Sin is a big category, and one size does not fit all. There are all sorts of sin. Sins of omission (things we overlook when we shouldn’t) and sins of commission (things we participate in). There is hate, jealousy, cruelty and the list goes on and on. Sin is what happens when we stop looking to God for direction.
We are slaves to sin; we are in bondage. We need help. We need rescue. We need a savior to free us from our captivity.
Until we see that need for ourselves and in our own lives, we will remain unknowing captives and miss out on the grace of freedom.
After viewing the ugliness of this world this week in the news, I know that I don’t want to be captive to racism and hate. I don’t want to commit the sin of omission by turning a blind eye to those who have exploited children and worse. I don’t want to add to the pain of this world; I want to be free of it and help others find freedom.
Next Wednesday, we turn the corner and enter the season of Lent. A time to reflect on our own condition and to make a clear choice. Are we going to be the children of the light or children of the dark? (see Ephesians 5:8)
Lent prepares us to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus is the only one who can free us from our captivity but only if we truly see we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves.
It is time to open your eyes to the reality of our own situation and the ugliness of the world. Until that happens, you are bound.
The invitation is real because Jesus is real and he is sovereign. Jesus will never force himself on you. The ball is in your court.
Take time this Lent to find the freedom and love that Jesus is offering.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. John 8:42
Open your ears and hear that the savior is calling you to freedom.
God bless,
Pr. Ben