I’ve been thinking about the meaning of the scripture from Romans 6:13-23. Paul said we are “slaves to righteousness”. That seems like an odd concept, but I like his logic.
We are slaves to whatever is dictating our actions and dominating our thoughts. If that’s sin (whatever is consuming our time and energy, other than Godly pursuits) then we are slaves to that master. “Don’t let sin reign … so that you obey its evil desires.”
Too much television? Too many hours in the office? Overindulging? Lying? Cheating? Stealing? It may seem innocent or it may be something that society considers “evil.” Whatever it is, if it draws you away from sanctification and God’s grace, it is evil. Sin is anything that separates us from God.
By our faith, through the sacrifice of Christ’s death, we are freed from sin. All we must do is turn from that bondage and embrace the freedom found in obedience to God’s will. The benefit of being a slave to God is the holiness found there and the eternal life promised to each of us. What benefit is gained from the pursuit of evil? Is it worth it? The result is death, not eternal life.
I’m ready to claim the reward and embrace the obedience that leads to righteous. The price has already been paid.
