To Whom or What Are You Enslaved?

Dr. Jay Wolf

"For he who was called in the Lord as a bond-servant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bond-servant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men." (1 Corinthians 7:22-23)

 We are surrounded by slaves!

Every day you interact with people who are functional captives. You may protest: "That's impossible. Slavery is illegal!" Actually, slavery, bondage and captivity exist in a multitude of forms.

Many are bound with invisible chains. Some people are slaves to their work. We call that workaholism - it is legal, encouraged in many circles and is widespread. Others are slaves to possessions. That form of bondage bears the title of materialism. Countless people are enslaved to the expectations of other people. Their bondage comes in the form of an insatiable desire to please people.

Every form of ugly slavery and seductive idolatry diminishes your walk with God. Beloved, the Lord calls you to know His truth and find freedom in Christ. You can break free from enslaving bonds to people, things, work, substances or self-defeating habits. God calls you to the counter-intuitive decision to enslave yourself to Jesus and in doing so you are set free! When I became captivated by the love of Christ and consumed with His expectations for my attitudes and actions, I was set free from conforming to the expectations of others.

Here is how it works: YOUR CHAINS AND IDOLS LOSE THEIR GRIP, WHEN KING JESUS CAPTAINS YOUR SHIP!