You become the slave of whatever you choose to obey
Romans 6:15, NLT
When we offer something for sale, we usually give it to the highest bidder. However, if what we are selling is precious to us, we also take into account how well it will be taken care of and what it’s future will be.
The price Jesus Christ paid for us cannot be humanly matched. And the future is too wonderful for mere words to describe.
| SLAVERY | FREEDOM |
|---|---|
| You can be a slave of sin, which leads to death. (15, NLT) | You can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. (16, NLT) |
| When we ignored God, we did just what we FELT like doing, impurity & lawlessness, which led us deper into sin. (19-20) | When we live a life of faith in God’s freedom of grace, you lives are healed and holiness expands. (19) |
| What did you get out of ignoring God? Nothing you are proud of now. Where did it get you? To a dead end. What did it get you? Eternal doom. (22-23) | As God’s loving servants, we live in joyous freedom from the power of sin and can delight in listening to God. A whole, healed, put-togther life right now with more on the way. (22-23) |
FOUND IN YOUR UNION WITH OUR LORD JESUS,
THE ANOINTED ONE.
God stressed these thoughts as I studied these verses:
My daily choices in thoughts, words, actions, entertainment…will reflect who I have chosen to be my master. The gracious gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ has given me this ability to choose. It’s not a once-and-done act, but an ongoing series of selections. And I don’t have to depend on my own strength to make the choices, because I have God’s power through the Holy Spirit living in me.
My one-word response to these verses: THANKFUL.
A scene from the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (based on a book by Roald Dahl) is the first picture that popped into my mind. Because of the wonders of internet searches, I could search find this to share with you.
I saw it the original version in 1971, and it must have made a big impression on my 19-year-old mind. I became a fan of Roald Dahl books and read them to my children and grandchildren.
- Do you know anyone who acts like Veruca Salt?
- Have you ever been Veruca Salt?
- If Veruca’s attitude has come out of your mouth, does it mean your choice of masters has already been made, and you are out of luck?
Here’s good news. Luck has nothing to do with it. It’s all about grace. Because of that grace, you can choose God as your master, and grow in His love and righteousness.
Kathleen S Evenhouse 