What We See
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. Romans 6:15-19
Insight
What we see affects the condition of our hearts. Our heart is forged by what we encounter.
For better or worse, our lives are always expressing what is inside. Yet, very few of us stop long enough to consider where our eyes focus. If we did, we'd notice that our gaze is continuously moving and doesn't stay in any spot for very long.
In our search for fulfillment, freedom, and purpose, we move from one thing to another.
Even though we are chronically disappointed, we continue this futile search in hopes that next time will be different. The sad reality is that we spend most of our lives responding to the things that catch our eyes. There is a big difference between what catches our eye and what has the power to capture our hearts.
Freedom resides in those moments when we focus on who we are and let the One who defines us define our days. Freedom comes from discipline and endurance, so when the time comes, we will be free to respond in obedience naturally. Obedience from the heart takes time. As our hearts begin to change, we become open to living out God's call on our life.
Our heart always follows our obedience. We are only free to the point we are willing to submit to His ways, which requires trust on our part. Growing trust stems from the confidence we have in God's authority to shape and direct our lives. When our picture of God grows clearer, our obedience becomes more consistent.
It also involves understanding how God sees us. We are His children so we are worth the life of His son. We serve as His image-bearers and ambassadors in this world. When we view ourselves through this lens, we begin to see the purpose behind the commands God put in place. They are not there to oppress but to liberate us from futility and frustration.
God cared about our freedom so much that He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our advocate and guide. When we look intently into the law, the Holy Spirit prompts us to respond in ways we could not do relying on our strength. He opens our eyes to places where we resist obedience. He cuts to the heart of our motives not to condemn but to convict. He is always pointing us towards the way of freedom.
Reflection
Where do you need to create a placeholder for your heart to catch up to your obedience?
Prayer
God, instead of looking to lesser things for freedom, let me set my eyes on Your heart. You desire what is best for me. You want me to walk in freedom and security. This only comes when I am willing to submit to Your ways. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.