Post by Tomvicss (@Asipa)

LEAD ME IN THE WAY OF FREEDOM AND TRUTH

TEXT
John 8:31-35
[31]To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
[32]Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
[33]They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
[34]Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
[35]Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

MESSAGE We forget that sin can enslave us. We know that addiction can enslave, but do we think of sin as a master? When we sin, we open the door to Satan who is more than happy to walk on in. The bank robber doesn't start off robbing banks; he probably started by taking money from his parents or shoplifting from the local store. If he doesn't get caught and punished, the thievery can get bigger. If a liar doesn't get caught in the lie, the liar gets more proficient and lies about more important matters. The embezzler probably started by taking home office supplies. Small sins lead to bigger sins. Satan is happy to whisper in our ears that what we want, we should have and we shouldn't worry about how we get it. When we disobey the commandments and we don't get zapped by lightening, we can think, "So what's the big deal." This leads us to thinking we are free to live as we please without worrying about the consequences. We forget that sin has its own consequences and that the final judgment belongs to God. When we tell the truth, we don't have to worry about remembering what we said because we told the truth. If we don't insult people or call them names, then we don't have to worry about retaliation. When we are kind, people are kind back. When we live conscious of the presence of God, we are free of fear. We know that we are doing our best to be ready to meet him whenever he calls us. We don't have to worry about the future because we know that God is in control and whatever happens, we'll be fine. Why would anyone choose slavery to sin over freedom?

PRAYER
Loving and forgiving God, you
want us to be free. We know that
you are always there to forgive us
for our sins and we need your
grace to remain free in your love
and mercy. Amen.

Frances Taylor

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