The needs of each person’s
soul are different, but we all love to
play. Fortunately, God abundantly gives us all good things to enjoy (1
Timothy 6:17). However, there is a fine line between holiness and depravity.
God calls us to live in His freedom, and then He cautions
us not to use our freedom as a pretense to sin; but to live instead as His righteous
bondservants (1 Peter 2:16).
Human beings often believe that there is no freedom in
living a moral life. All they see is commandments that restrict their carnal inclinations.
Their pride and rebellion prevent them from submitting totally to God.
Sin takes away our free will and keeps us under its
spell. There is absolutely no freedom in slavery to sin. Fleshly indulgences
are only enjoyable for a time, and we always reap destruction from them.
The dividends of living a depraved lifestyle come in the
form of ill health, addictions, unmanageable circumstances, jail terms, broken
relationships, poverty and eventually death without peace (Luke 21:34).
Living according to the dictates of sin, and Satan, the
world, and our flesh will not bring us lasting fame, fortune, financial
security or peace. It is only temporary at best. God's Word advises us to be
filled with God's Spirit instead of sin (Ephesians 5:19).
I contend that true freedom only comes within the safe
parameters of God's ethical boundaries. Jesus told us that Unbelievers are
slaves to sin, and He reminded us that only He, the Son of God, can give us real
freedom (John 8:34-37).
The Bible is our guide and authority throughout our life.
Each page is full of wise counsel and promises of immediate help for us to
succeed in living according to God's will for our life.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to give us
abundant life, which fills us to overflowing (John 10:10, Amplified Bible). How
totally pointless the pursuit of self-indulgence appears after we attain it,
and what am emptiness and bitter taste of repulsion it leaves in our empty soul.
I have learned that there is no true happiness apart from
You. I only experience completion in my life through my relationship with You.
This is more fulfilling than any human relationship I ever enjoyed. Since You
live within me, my bond with You is more intimate than any other.
Thought for the Day:
Paul gives us wise counsel on how to live, by telling us
to be extremely careful in the choices that we make; he encourages us to use
every opportunity, which God provides for us, to accomplish God's will for our
life on this earth - an earth which is quickly deteriorating.
- Ephesians
5:15-18
