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

The Inescapable Choice of Masters

Every day, we make decisions that shape our lives. These choices, whether big or small, ultimately lead us down the path of serving something or someone. It could be our careers, our desires, our addictions, or even our egos. The truth is, we’re all serving something.

But here’s the kicker – there’s an option that many of us overlook: choosing to serve Christ. Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Serve Christ? Isn’t that just trading one form of bondage for another?” Well, that’s exactly the paradox we’re going to explore today.

This choice isn’t just about the here and now. It has eternal consequences. So, let’s dive in and see what it means to find freedom by becoming a “slave” to righteousness in Christ.

Bondage of the World and the Cultural Matrix

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a hamster wheel, running and running but never really getting anywhere? That’s what the bondage of the world can feel like. It’s like being caught in a web of addictions, oppression, and deception.

Think about it. How many of us are slaves to our phones, constantly checking for notifications? Or maybe it’s the pressure to keep up with the Joneses, always needing the latest gadget or fashion trend. These might seem harmless, but they can slowly take over our lives without us even realizing it.

The crazy thing is, there’s a simple solution – choosing a different master. But here’s the rub: this isn’t something you hear about much in many churches or faith communities. It’s like we’ve forgotten to talk about one of the most fundamental aspects of our faith!

The Global Spell of Witchcraft and Rebellion

Now, I know “witchcraft” might sound a bit out there, but bear with me. I’m not talking about cauldrons and broomsticks here. When I say the world is under a spell of rebellion and witchcraft, I’m talking about a spiritual reality that’s been around since, well, forever.

Remember the story of Adam and Eve? That was the first act of rebellion against God’s natural order. And ever since then, we’ve been living in a world that’s constantly pushing against God’s design.

This rebellion isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s as subtle as putting ourselves first in everything we do. But the result is the same – we end up trapped in systems and ways of thinking that promise freedom but deliver bondage.

The Illusion of Freedom in Worldly Systems

Let’s talk about freedom for a second. We hear a lot about freedom these days, don’t we? Freedom of speech, freedom of choice, personal freedom – these are all buzzwords in our culture. But what if I told you that a lot of what we call “freedom” is an illusion?

Many of these ideas of freedom come from philosophies like secularism, humanism, and even Marxism. They all promise a kind of liberation. “You do you,” they say. “Follow your heart.” Sounds great, right?

But here’s a question worth pondering: When we yield to these systems, are we really free? Or are we just swapping one form of bondage for another?

Think about it. When we’re slaves to our desires, our egos, or societal expectations, are we truly free? Or are we just following a different kind of script?

Freedom Through Christ: A New Master

Okay, so here’s where things get interesting. What if true freedom comes through serving Christ? I know, I know, it sounds contradictory. How can being a servant lead to freedom?

But here’s the thing – when we choose to serve Christ, we’re not signing up for a restrictive set of rules. Instead, we’re aligning ourselves with the very purpose we were created for. It’s like a fish finally finding water – suddenly, everything makes sense.

This kind of freedom is different from what the world offers. It’s not about doing whatever we want. It’s about becoming who we were always meant to be. It’s about finding our true selves in Christ.

Challenges in Making the Transition

Now, I’ll be the first to admit – making this transition isn’t easy. We’re used to being in control, or at least thinking we are. Giving that up and submitting to Christ? That’s a tough pill to swallow for many of us.

A lot is working against us too. Our culture is steeped in humanist thinking, which puts man at the center of everything. Then there’s our pride, always whispering that we know best. And let’s not forget about the pull of our desires and passions.

These aren’t small obstacles. They’re deeply ingrained in our thinking and our society. But recognizing them is the first step in overcoming them.

The Cosmic Spiritual Battle

Here’s something mind-blowing: the daily struggle is part of a much bigger picture. There’s been an eternal battle between sin and righteousness since humans existed.

And guess what? We’re right in the middle of it. Every choice we make, every action we take, is part of this cosmic conflict. We’re either aligning ourselves with sin or with God.

It might sound dramatic, but it’s true. We’re spiritual beings, and our choices have spiritual consequences. The question is, which side are we on?

Breaking the Strongholds of Secularism and Humanism

So, how do we break free from all this? How do we escape the grip of atheism, Marxism, and all the other “-isms” that promise freedom but deliver bondage?

The answer might surprise you. It’s not about fighting harder or being more defiant. It’s about surrender. Yep, you heard that right. True freedom comes from surrendering to God’s authority.

It’s like learning to swim. When we thrash about, trying to keep our heads above water, we tire quickly. But when we relax and trust the water to hold us up, suddenly we can float effortlessly.

The Paradox of Freedom Through Servanthood

So here we are, face to face with the grand paradox: to be truly free, we must become servants. Not just any servants, but servants of Christ, slaves to righteousness.

It goes against everything our culture teaches us, against our natural inclinations. But that’s the beauty of it. In losing our lives, we find them. In giving up control, we gain true freedom.

This freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want. It’s about becoming who we were always meant to be. It’s about aligning ourselves with our Creator and finding our place in His grand design.

So, friend, what do you say? Are you ready to embrace the paradox? Are you willing to become a slave to righteousness and find the freedom you’ve always longed for? The choice is yours, and the adventure awaits!