This is a summary of a part of chapter five of Dr. Kevin McGary’s book, Freed to Be Servant and Slave (available on Amazon).

The Challenge of Submitting to Christ’s Lordship

Let’s face it, friends: giving up control isn’t easy. We like to think we’re in charge of our lives, don’t we? But when it comes to following Jesus, we’re asked to do something that goes against our nature – to surrender our identity and control to Him. It’s a bit like learning to ride a bike without training wheels for the first time. It’s scary, and we might fall a few times, but the freedom we gain is worth it.

Personal Journey Towards Surrender

One may recall a journey of letting go. It requires nearly ten years to understand. Money, future, family – these assets are clutched tightly, under the illusion of knowing best. Gradually, it becomes evident that entrusting God with these aspects brings an unparalleled peace. The process is never easy, and there are moments when control is desired once again. Yet, with each act of trust, God’s faithfulness is clearly demonstrated. This profound transformation clearly shows that surrendering control yields true spiritual liberation

King Solomon’s Reflections on Worldly Pursuits

You know, we’re not the first ones to struggle with this. Even King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, went through it. He chased after wealth, wisdom, and pleasure, thinking they’d bring him happiness. But in the end, he realized that without God at the center, it was all pretty meaningless. It’s like eating cotton candy for dinner – it might taste good for a moment, but it leaves you feeling empty.

Embracing the Lordship of Christ for True Freedom

Here’s where it gets interesting. We often think freedom means doing whatever we want, whenever we want. But true freedom, the kind that satisfies, comes from becoming a servant to Christ. I know it sounds backward, right? But think about it – when we’re chasing after what the world calls “freedom”, we often end up trapped. Maybe it’s in debt, or harmful relationships, or addictions. But when we submit to Christ, we’re set free from these things.

Current State of the Church: Reflecting the World

Now, let’s talk about the church for a minute. Sometimes, when I look around, I see a church that looks an awful lot like the world. We’re chasing the same things, worried about the same stuff. It makes me wonder – have we submitted to Christ’s lordship? Or are we just playing at faith?

Consequences of Superficial Commitment to Faith

This shallow faith has real consequences. We see it in the high divorce rates among Christians, and in the moral failures of leaders we trusted. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it? But I think it all comes back to this issue of lordship. When we’re not fully committed to following Jesus, we’re vulnerable to the same pitfalls as everyone else.

Every Black Life Matters’ Perspective on Freedom

I love how we at Every Black Life Matters put it. We say true freedom is tied up with our spiritual lives. It’s not just about physical freedom, but spiritual freedom too. We’re encouraging us to live in a way that’s deeply connected to our faith, as a path to overcoming all kinds of bondage.

Misguided Notions of Freedom in Modern Culture

Our culture has some funny ideas about freedom. It’s all about self-gratification, doing what feels good in the moment. But I’ve found that chasing after these things often leads to feeling more trapped, not less. It’s like trying to quench your thirst with salt water – the more you drink, the thirstier you get.

Conclusion: The Path to Authentic Freedom

So where does this leave us? I believe that real freedom, the kind that fills us up and gives our lives meaning, comes from fully submitting to Christ. It’s about aligning our lives with His purpose for us. It might feel scary at first like we’re giving up control. But in reality, we’re exchanging our limited vision for God’s perfect plan. And that, my friends, is where we find true liberty.