Freedom or Slavery?

John 8:34 "Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.  

For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? (meaning putting aside the eternal for momentarily safe from physical harm or death in this temporal life on earth) For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.  Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775. 

What do we demonstrate, by our thoughts, words and actions, is the one or ones that we truly desire to please; who we admire & adore, we love and long for, who we are dedicated & devoted to, who we never want to be judged & rejected by, who we follow and obey? Who is Lord of our life? Who do we fall for and who do we stand for? 

Romans 7:25 "Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

I take our Founding Father words from his famous "Give me Liberty or give me death" speech as spiritual truths that can be applied to every practical life in every age. May we always take a good, deep, honest and hard look at our priorities and what our witness demonstrates. My mom use to teach me in more simple, parabolic terms about doing “right” and “wrong”, with questions like: “If everyone was jumping off a cliff, would you jump also?” What do we stand for, and what do we fall for? Freedom or slavery; it’s our choice. May we never compromise the Lord for this sinful world and its praises. Live in liberty, God's liberty, liberated from sin and death to life and life eternal. John 8:31-32

1 Thessalonians 4:7 "God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives."

In Christ, Brian