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Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God” (Romans 7:4).

Everyone wants to belong, but to what or to whom? I belong to a book club, our community association and am a member of my church. Other people belong to sports’ teams, dinner clubs, Chess clubs, medical associations, unions or political parties. Membership comes with privileges, as well as responsibilities.

Before we knew Jesus, we belonged to sin. We weren’t free agents, biding our time until one team made a good offer. We were already members of the team that opposed God. John records Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. (John 8:34) We were trapped.

But, thanks to God, Christ’s death made it possible for us to belong to another – to Jesus Christ Himself.

What a privilege it is to belong to Jesus. Through Him we have direct access to God; we have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us; we have eternal life.  Along with these great privileges come responsibilities.

We belong to Jesus “in order that we might bear fruit to God” (Romans 7:4).

Since we have been freed from sin, we are called to:

•  “Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13).

•    “[You] have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18).

Thank you, Heavenly Father, that Jesus made it possible for me to belong to You. May my actions demonstrate to whom I belong.  Amen.

Questions: How has belonging to God changed your life? What fruit can you bear to God? What does it mean to be a slave to righteousness?

About the Author Suzanne Benner