Devotion #4: The Choice

In Romans 6:15-16, Paul explains two ways to live: in the bondage of sin or the freedom found in obedience to God. He writes, “What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”  

As believers, our past, present, and future sins are covered by the blood of Jesus. This does not mean we should exploit His gift of grace as an excuse to continue to sin. Instead, we must remember that our sin binds us like a cruel master, dragging us back into despair and separation from God. 

Apart from God, we are bound by rules we could never fulfill perfectly. When we choose to sin, we submit ourselves to the very thing that enslaves us. Sin promises false freedom and only tightens its grip on us. However, when we are saved under His grace, the Holy Spirit guides us, giving us the strength to live according to God’s will.  

The beauty of grace is that it can empower us to choose. Paul later discusses this internal struggle in Romans chapter 7, where he describes the fight against our flesh. We often find ourselves doing the very things we do not want to do. This is our human vulnerability and the ongoing conflict between our desires for righteousness and the pull of sin.  

This grace does not allow or condone sin but empowers us to resist it. We have the power to overcome our sins, not on our own, but because Jesus overcame the sins of the entire world. Grace is an invitation to put our faith into action and embody the same love and righteousness of Christ. Living out that truth means our actions showcase the love and truth of Christ. Embracing God’s grace means acknowledging our struggle but returning to the cross and remembering that we are no longer slaves.  

Reflect and ask yourself if your actions show that you are a slave to your sin or a willing servant to the King of kings. Engage in this fight with hope. Choose wisely. The path of obedience leads to life, and only by hiding our lives in Christ, we can triumph over the desires that seek to keep us in chains.