“I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon, And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.” Isaiah 42:6-7, NASB
FREEDOM.
I don’t know anyone who would refuse freedom. People around the world—including those of us in the United States—experience different levels of freedom. Sadly, however, some individuals never enjoy liberty despite their desire for it.
But when it comes to spiritual freedom, many Christians are trapped in unbelievable ways. We can fail to recognize our captivity, even nurturing secret sins. Like Gollum from the Lord of the Rings series, who treasured his “Precious” and fought to maintain possession of the ring, we protect what’s precious to us—even sin.
Do we long to be free? Or, are we insanely attached to sins that chain us?
Let’s consider some modern day ‘dungeons’:
- Pornography – for men, this typically is a visual thing, but for women it also can take the form of steamy reading material.
- Materialism – love of stuff, stuff, and stuff.
- Comfort – things plus circumstances that make us feel good—please don’t interrupt our lifestyles! (This is a challenge for me.)
- Vanity – Excessive concern about appearance. I can’t help mentioning this as it keeps coming to mind. (I struggle with this, though less now as God is helping me. Can you relate?)
- Self-righteousness – Well, we are good and we are right … right? Ha! (This is a slimy pit, and believe me, I still go there sometimes as nasty as it is.)
- Addiction – substances or patterns of behavior that “help” us cope with life.
- Love of money – God’s Word tells us this is a root of all evil. And yes, Christians can fall into this idolatry.
- Bitterness – that feeling, that “ick” that rises up within when another person comes to mind. (Yep, been there too and it’s no picnic.)
- Anger – releasing ugliness through words and actions. (Praise God! He delivered me from anger outbursts in my younger years.)
Which of these ‘dungeons’ are you locked in? Or, what different one comes to mind? I urge you to confess this sin to the Lord and change your mind about it—repent. Embrace your freedom in Christ:
“Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no
longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin… Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:6-7 & 11
This awesome truth belongs to us as God’s people, so why do we live our days ensnared by fleshly patterns or worldly items and ideologies?
We don’t have to continue in our sins. We don’t have to languish under their oppression. Christ has set us free and will set us free. Let’s experience true freedom by living under the Holy Spirit’s control.
May Christ free us TODAY from all that limits our affection for Him.
Lord, You’re light to the nations, the One who opens blind eyes, and the One who sets captives free. We worship You! Please open our eyes and break our chains. Free us from besetting sins, making us living testimonies of Your power for Your glory. Amen.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily
Tweetables:
Do we long to be free? Or, are we insanely attached to sins that chain us? (Click to tweet)
May Christ free us TODAY from all that limits our affection for Him. (Click to tweet)
Let’s experience true freedom by living under the Holy Spirit’s control. (Click to tweet)
