To be bound by sin is like being held hostage by the enemy, yet we don’t care. We sit in the chair bound unaware that the ropes and handcuffs that hold us there are hurting us. When we ask Jesus to rescue us from this bondage of sin, he comes in, opens the handcuffs, does first aid, swings open the cell door, and makes us free.
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
Colossians 3:5-10 NLT
Here’s the kicker. We must get out of the chair and walk out of the cell to experience his freedom totally. Many believers have asked Jesus to free them, yet they are still sitting in the cell. Free to stand up and walk away, yet don’t really want to. Why would I want to give all this up? Scared of the life outside the door. Too many will just sit in the chair, knowing who Jesus is, but never experience him fully as we are called to. Eventually, the ties that bonded them before will weave their way back into place without them even realizing they are there.
Now the jailer is there. He is slithering around watching and spitting out lies to confuse you. He will tell you that you will lose everything by standing up and walking out the door. He will work to convince you that change is bad and that there is no fun where Jesus wants you to go. He will tell you that you have to change who you are. These are all lies. He just wants company and to keep you away from the truth. Don’t buy into his lies.
Stand up! Strip off the old dirty clothes (sinful life) that you wore in the cell. Walk out the door, clothe yourself in righteousness, not looking back at the dirty cell and soiled clothes you left behind. Then you will truly be free. You will still be you, your personality and distinctions will blossom. Experience freedom. Life is so much better outside the cell of sin. To truly be all in we must leave the prison that sin was holding us in.
Jesus, I pray for those who believe in you yet haven’t walked out of the cell. As a believer, I need you to help me be a better teacher who can guide new believers out. Help us experience your freedom from sin in exciting ways. Let us be a salt and light to those around us so that they will desire you more and more. Let us be an awesome example of you. They matter to you Jesus, they matter to me. Give me more opportunities to tell others about your love. Let me reflect the fact that I am living All In. Amen
50 Days of Pray 