Written by Contributing Author, Charles Wekesa
Now, here’s a twist that might surprise you: real freedom comes when we choose to serve Christ. It sounds backwards, doesn’t it? But think about it like this: when we live to serve others and follow Jesus’ example, we’re actually living the way we were meant to live. It’s like finally finding the right key for a lock – everything just fits.
This is a summary of chapter four of Kevin McGary’s book, Freed to Be Servant and Slave (available on Amazon).
The Inescapable Choice: Worldly Bondage or Freedom in Christ
We all face a big decision in life: do we follow the ways of the world, or do we choose to follow Christ? This choice isn’t just about what we believe; it shapes our whole future. Let’s talk about what this means for us.
The False Reality of Freedom in the World
You know how sometimes things aren’t quite what they seem? Well, that’s kind of what’s happening in the world around us. Since way back when humans first turned away from God, there’s been this tricky illusion going on. The world tells us we’re free to do whatever we want, but is that really true freedom?
The world promises you freedom, but it’s a bit like a beautifully wrapped empty box.
Think about it: how many times have you felt stuck in a situation, even though you thought you were making your own choices? That’s because what the world calls freedom is often just another kind of trap.
Spiritual Battle: Slavery to Sin vs. Slavery to Righteousness
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. We’re actually in the middle of a big spiritual tug-of-war. On one side, there’s being trapped by sin and all the not-so-great stuff that comes with it. On the other side, there’s choosing to follow God’s way, which might sound like giving up freedom, but it’s actually the path to real freedom and a full life.
When people are younger, it’s common to believe that doing whatever they want is true freedom. However, this often leads to feelings of being lost and confused. True freedom is only found when one follows God’s path.
Witchcraft and Rebellion: The Underlying Deceptions of the World
This might sound a bit strange, but the Bible actually compares rebelling against God to witchcraft. It’s not about magic spells or anything like that. It’s about how turning away from God can trap us in ways of thinking and living that aren’t good for us.
These traps, or ‘strongholds’ as some people call them, can keep us tied to worldly systems that don’t really help us in the long run.
Christ Offers True Freedom
So, how do we get out of this trap? The good news is, Jesus offers us a way out. He’s like the key to a locked door, showing us the path to real freedom and a life that lasts forever.
“Imagine being stuck in a maze, and Jesus is the one who knows the way out and is ready to guide you.”
The Cost of Worldly Ambitions
We often hear about chasing success, making it big, or ‘being your own boss’. These sound great, right? But here’s the thing: if we’re just doing these things for ourselves, to make ourselves look good or feel important, we might end up losing something much more valuable – our spiritual well-being.
Overcoming Worldly Strongholds
There are some big ideas out there that can really hold us back from finding true freedom in Christ. Things like:
These ideas can be pretty stubborn, but with God’s help, we can break free from them.
Embracing Servitude in Christ
Now, here’s a twist that might surprise you: real freedom comes when we choose to serve Christ. It sounds backwards, doesn’t it? But think about it like this: when we live to serve others and follow Jesus’ example, we’re actually living the way we were meant to live. It’s like finally finding the right key for a lock – everything just fits.
I’ve found that when I focus on serving others and following Christ, I feel more free and fulfilled than I ever did when I was just trying to please myself.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to find true freedom by following Christ? It’s a big decision, but it could be the most important one you ever make.