Free at last, free at last (Romans 6:15)

SCRIPTURE: Romans 6:15 (TM)

So, since we're out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we're free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind?

STORY:

Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, committed a spur-of-the-moment robbery while on his way home from a late-night drinking session. A very inebriated Mr. Prendergast forced his way into the house through an open upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks. He then escaped through the back door and made his way home, chuckling all the way. Only as he turned the corner into his own street, however, and discovered three fire engines outside his house, did he realize that in his drunkenness he had, in fact, burgled and ignited his own property. His comment: "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."

OBSERVATION:

“When I grow up…” are some famous last words. The completion of that infamous phrase could fill multiple volumes in any library. Our plans include being “our own person,” “answering to no one,” “making our own decisions,” “being responsible for only ourselves,” … all when we grow up.

But on the way to growing up something happens. We steal from ourselves by the various and numerous decisions we make. Some of those decisions are good, some not so good. We are the sum total of all of our decisions. It is only when it appears that all might be lost that we discover the extent of our “valuable possessions.”

“When we grow up” we are not free from the old tyrannies; we cannot live any way we wish; and what comes to our mind ought to stay there. All we are doing, when we grow up, is making a decision who and what is going to be in charge. And it is obvious to the most casual observer that we really should be trusted with our own life. We will only make a mess of a bad situation.

Bottom line is that we need God. Without God we simply burn down our own house. We need God. The most grown up decision we can make is surrendering our will to God, surrendering our freedom. And, much to our surprise is that as we surrender our freedom we discover the glorious freedom of that special relationship.

Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free.

Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.

I sink in life's alarms when by myself I stand;

imprison me within thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

And then we shall declare the truth – free at last, free at last, thank God almighty free at last!

PRAYER:

Make us a captive, Lord, make us a captive. We desire your freedom more than anything. Keep us safe from our own stupidity.