“Live as free people, but do
not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16
You were once a slave or servant to sin. After receiving the forgiveness of God for
your sinful lifestyle you are to be a servant or slave to God. You remain a servant; you just switch your
allegiance. You are to serve the Lord with a willing heart, not out of some
religious requirement. We are free to do
as we please, however, what should be pleasing to us is to do that which is
pleasing to God. Our freedom is
certainly not a license to do that which is evil in the sight of the Lord. Paul tells the arrogant Corinthians two
separate times in his first letter to them that they can do whatever they want,
but not all things are helpful or edifying
(1 Corinthians 10:23,
6:12). If we fall back into sin or never
stop sinning we have made God’s grace into a cheap thing. Live as freedmen under the loving guidance
and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps being called a servant
or slave to God is displeasing to
you. To serve simply means to obey out of respect and/or reverence. Understanding all the Lord has done for you
is it really so much of a problem to be called God’s servant? He wishes to use you. He has given you gifts that He wishes to
utilize to expand the kingdom. Using
those gifts selfishly for your own gain benefits no one but yourself. When you use them for God you benefit all He
puts you in contact with.
Doing evil is a selfish endeavor. We think it benefits us, but it only brings
destruction to everyone it touches. Any
benefits are only temporal, for only that which God sanctions lasts. Don’t waste the second opportunity the Lord
has given you to live as a free man out from under the bondage of your
sin. Live as a servant of God and feel
what it’s like to truly be free of any and all encumbrances that might weigh
you down. Until next time, walk with the
King and be a blessing!
Dictionary used: American
Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language
