Having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. – Romans 6:18
Like a 1979 Bob Dylan song says, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Sin may be defined as trying to bless yourself your way rather than allowing God to bless you His way. When a person tries to please himself, it opens him up to all types of trouble: addictions, heartbreak, or even jail time. Serving God leads to peace, joy, and eternal rewards. The trap of serving self is a constant temptation. Serving God may be costly. You may have to surrender your goals and dreams. As you read Scripture and apply what it says, you experience true freedom.
The Bible says to lay up treasures in Heaven. How do you do that? Give to the poor and needy (Luke 12:32-33). Welcome His ministers, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and be kind to children (Matthew 10:40-42). Stand up for Jesus despite persecution (Matthew 5:12). Love and pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Give, pray, and fast privately (Matthew 6:4, 6, 16). Labor in the sharing of the gospel (1 Corinthians 3:8-9). Be compassionate toward those in prison and persevere and put your confidence in Christ (Hebrews 10:34-35). Follow Christ’s teachings (2 John 8-9). Whatever you do, apply yourself as if you are doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-25).
Salvation comes through faith in Christ. Rewards come through serving Him and others. Investing time in intercessory prayer for your family, the people around you, and the governing officials in this nation brings a Heavenly reward as well as an earthly one. Pray for a revival, that U.S. leaders and citizens will know and serve God in Christ.
Today’s Verse: Romans 6:18
and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 1:19-27
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
