What are you a slave to?

We have multiple holidays in the United States that directly celebrate or are tied to the concept of freedom (Juneteenth, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, etc.) Freedom is a distinctive value of the Western world, but it was not always so.

Slavery was legal and prevalent up until 1834 in the UK and 1865 in the United States. The West’s version of slavery was cruel, dehumanizing, and evil. The people of Israel also experienced a version of slavery, although likely not as harsh. After their escape from Egypt, the Israelites frequently longed to return to Egypt to something familiar even though God had much better plans for them.

We are no different. We do not always hail Jesus as Lord of our life and willingly enslave ourselves to cruel masters.

First, what is it that you think about the most? What causes you to worry? The things that consume your thoughts are often times in need of surrender.

The three most common areas needing surrender to the Lord are:

• Money and possessions
• Workaholism
• Comfort and preference

Through Jesus’ work on the cross, God has called us to freedom. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) The antidote then lies in surrender to God. We must trust that God will provide and has truly set us free to live an abundant life according to HIS plan.

• Generosity brings freedom from greed
• Rest brings freedom from work addiction
• Sacrifice brings freedom from being coddled in our comfort

Lord, forgive us for holding on to things too tightly that we feel are our own. Forgive us for not trusting you will provide for our every need. Forgive us for putting our own comfort above the needs of others. Help us live in the freedom you have provided.

Listen here to this challenging chapel message by Eddy Moratin, a member of our
Medi-Share Board of Directors.