Ways To Give

Slavery in 2012

Written by Linda McCutcheon

Are you  experiencing financial concerns? We are here to listen.

 

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” (Romans 6:6)

I am reading To Be a Slave in which Julius Lester shares testimonies of black slaves.  I am appalled and heart-broken by the inhuman belief system depicted during this time in our history.  Slavery has long been abolished, at least officially. But the truth is, we can still be enslaved in different ways today.

Slave to Possessions

There are belief systems that say, “If I just had a bit more then I would be happy.”  Or “I need to build my empire so I can retire and finally enjoy life.” Some people say,  “I want to prove to myself and everyone around me I can do this. Look at me!”  Yes, look at you.

What if everything you have was stripped away?  There is no possession that can give you peace and comfort. Working hard and planning for the future is very important, but what empire are you building that is of eternal value?

My heart grieves for people who are exhausted or so busy with life that they are not living. At the end of the day, have you taken a moment to look at the stars? Did you spend time with the kids, or help a hurting friend? Our world dictates whirlwinds but we don’t have to walk into them.

Slave to Passions

The saying, “If it feels good, do it” has been recycled in our culture time and time again.  Truth is, life is not just about feeling good. Carelessly pursuing our passions can lead to heavy debt. We might find ourselves in a marriage breakdown or perhaps our addictions having gotten so out of control that they hurt not only us but our loved ones as well.

Some people live in fantasy worlds by always watching TV, playing computer games or living vicariously through books.  All of these are fun but they need boundaries.  Life is about living out what we are passionate about in proper perspective.  What are your true passions? Are you passionate about reaching the lost? Injustice? Building a family home? Is there a passion that has started to become out of control?

Slaves to the Past

I see people live each day without victory.  They cling to their past hurts and memories and can’t see that a new day is right in front of them.  Life is full of possibilities.  My past holds some painful memories and if I dwelt on them, I could be bitter.  I choose to say “No” to that.  There is much to enjoy despite some hard days, wouldn’t you agree? Putting life in perspective and being thankful for the day helps us look at the present and the future. We all have a past. Pack up the past in a suitcase and lock it.  A new future waits for you as you live in the present.

Prescription for Slavery

As you put God first in your possessions, passions and past, He will heal your heart and restore your life.  He will set you free! Enjoy God today.  Live not for the moment, but IN the moment.  This prescription will help you fight against such diseases as bitterness, malice, greed, and pride.  Sometimes these things creep upon us and we aren’t even aware that we have become enslaved. Let your heart beat for an amazing quality of life.  We don’t know the future, but we know the One who does.

Romans 6:6 says, “We know that the persons we used to be were nailed to the cross with Jesus. This was done, so that our sinful bodies would no longer be the slaves of sin.”

There it is.  This is God’s prescription.

We all have choices to make.  We have amazing opportunities, with God’s help, to better our lives.  We have possessions to take care of, passions to pursue, and a past to let go of. We can proclaim as Isaiah did, “Don’t think about the past.  I am creating something new. There it is!  Do you not see it?”

Take some time to evaluate. Slavery is not an option.  We have freedom….do you see it?

Father God, help us to take all our desires and dreams and make them Yours.  Guide us to be all we can be so we can live in a freedom we never thought possible.  Thank you for taking our slavery to the cross. Because of that our possessions, passions, and past are put in the proper perspective.  In the all-powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Question: Are you a slave to Jesus today or a slave to possessions, passions, or past?

One Response to “Slavery in 2012”

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• Barbara says:

  June 29, 2012 at 4:37 am

  Linda, Great devotional filled with TRUTH! Most people do not want to admit that they are a slave to something or someone and they end up remaining captive their out of control passions, disires or addictions. Thank goodness we have Christ who sets us free when we are willing to release such “bondages” to Him and embrace our true freedom in Christ. I pray that I shall continue on the road to complete freedom with Christ….staying away from wordly ways, a hurtful past, and sin that can easily entagles.

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