Deep down we all want to be free. We want our own way, and many believe doing things God’s way will “cramp their style.” Truth is, doing things our own way can lead to slavery.
Why do I say that? Look at people who struggle with addictions. It’s not just drugs or alcohol. Fact is, we can get addicted to pretty much anything. Addictions come in a wide variety, with some more socially acceptable than others. Some even “look good”, like workaholism. A workaholic gets the job done, right? People pleasers make everyone happy, frequently while driving themselves into the ground trying to perform. And a telltale sign that someone is firmly in the grip of the addiction is when he or she confidently says, “I can stop any time I want to.”
Whoever or whatever we give our lives and our time to is in fact our master (Romans 6:16). When we give our lives to Jesus, we only have one master to please, and He wants to give our life back to us abundantly (John 10:10b). He’ll free us from whatever is holding us in its grip and set us free to be who we really are. That’s why He came.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36).