Freedom Not To Sin

Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Romans 6:18

In The Grace Awakening, Charles Swindoll recounts the first time his father let him take the family car out by himself for two hours. He thought of all the things he could do with his freedom—speeding, a quick trip out of town, showing off for his friends—and did none of them. Out of respect for his father’s trust, he drove around safely and returned home early.

What would you do if you were granted unlimited freedom from any consequences for your actions? And how often do you find yourself angry with someone who has taken away your freedom (freedom to peace and quiet, freedom to a parking space, freedom to spend your money as you like)? It’s easy, living in the “land of the free,” to misunderstand the true meaning of spiritual freedom.

When we are born again through faith in Christ, we are given the power to be freed from the destructive compulsions and tendencies that can hurt us and others, and we are given new power to do what is best in life. We’re given power to do those things that God created us to do, power to deny the demands of our old sin nature.

If there is a sin you’re having trouble saying no to, ask God to give you a fresh glimpse of what it means to be free.