Send to Kindle

by Robin McKinley

Happy 4th of July! It’s a day of celebration because America won its independence, thus becoming a sovereign nation. It took a little longer in this country for others to gain their freedom, but it happened when slavery was abolished.

There is, however, a different type of slavery that has people in bondage today. It’s called slavery to sin. Paul tells us in Romans how we can live a life free from the slavery of sin. 

Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.  Romans 6:17-18

Slavery is recorded from before the time of Moses. The Israelites were forced to make bricks and build cities for the Egyptians. It took them 400 years before they asked God for their freedom. 

Slavery of Sin 

The slave master of sin operates in just a little different than a task master. It offers us things that aren’t good for us. Things that we can’t resist. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say something like, “I know I shouldn’t do this but . . .” Maybe you’ve even said it.

Sin leads us to do things that make us feel good, regardless of how we make others feel. An example is how sin presses people to seek prosperity. There is nothing wrong with that in and of itself. Sin’s influence though can cause a monster within us so we’ll walk over others to get it.

Sin will also try to override our consciences. It will guilt us into doing what we know is wrong. Sin works to convince us that we need to take care of ourselves no matter what. The worst part about sin is we can’t beat it on our own. We are in its bondage. 

Our verse for today tells us how we can be free from the slavery of sin. It says once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. What teaching? The Word of God!  

A Life Free from Sin 

Freedom from sin comes from obedience to God. In that obedience, we begin to change on the inside. We become less selfish and more righteous. In fact, we become a slave to righteousness. Being a slave to righteousness means we want to do that which is right in God’s eyes. 

It’s wanting to treat others with respect and dignity and with love and compassion. Listen to what Jesus taught in Matthew 7.

“In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you’d want them to treat you, for that is the essence of all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 TPT

Paul says as we continue to remain a slave to righteousness, when we get to heaven we will receive the crown of righteousness. It’s a crown that we can lay at the feet of Jesus. 

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

If we remain or revert back to being a slave of sin, there is no reward. Sin only produces wages and listen to what verse 23 says. 

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 

Each year our country celebrates its independence. As Christians we should give up our independence to the Lord so we can daily depend Him. That is true freedom for life! 

About the Author: 

Robin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.

Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”.  He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.

These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.

Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren.