What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 6:15-23

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A Better Master of My Fate
By Jennifer Kane

Once, I walked the path of sin,
enslaved to desires that whispered lies,
each step leading deeper into shadows,
where death reigned, and freedom was a fading dream.
Sin, a cruel master, held me fast,
offering fleeting pleasure but exacting a cost—
the wage was death.

But then, grace called my name,
a voice breaking through the chains,
offering a gift I could never earn.
“Shall we go on sinning?” it asked,
as if freedom could be found in captivity.
No, I died to sin, buried with Christ,
and rising, I now walk in the newness of life.

Sin no longer holds dominion here,
for I am no longer its slave.
Now, I yield my heart to righteousness,
an offering to the One who set me free.
In this service, there is no shame,
only the fruit of holiness,
leading to life eternal.

The wages of sin once marked my fate,
but now, the gift of God is mine—
eternal life in Christ Jesus,
my Lord, my freedom, my new master.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 6:15-23

I live in a country and society where freedom is highly valued, the idea of being a “slave” to anything might seem undesirable. Yet, Romans 6:15-23 presents a profound truth: true freedom is found not in serving ourselves or sin, but in serving righteousness and God.

Paul uses the metaphor of slavery to illustrate the power and control sin has over a person. When we live under the rule of sin, we are trapped in a cycle of shame, guilt, and destructive behavior. This slavery leads to spiritual death and separation from God (Romans 6:23).

Think about times when sinful habits or desires controlled your actions. How did it make you feel? What consequences did you face?

Upon accepting Christ, we are called to a new kind of servitude—slavery to righteousness. Unlike the harsh master of sin, righteousness leads to holiness and eternal life. This is not a bondage of fear but a joyful submission to God’s will, which brings peace, purpose, and fulfillment.

How has living for God changed your life? What benefits have you experienced by walking in righteousness?

Paul highlights the benefits of being slaves to God. This slavery is marked by sanctification, leading to holiness, and ultimately, eternal life. The rewards of serving righteousness are far greater than the temporary pleasures of sin.

Consider the fruits of righteousness in your life. How has your character been transformed by following Christ?

The passage concludes with a powerful contrast: the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Sin earns us death, but through Jesus, we are freely given eternal life—a gift beyond measure.

How does the promise of eternal life impact your daily choices and priorities?

Take time this week to reflect on areas of your life where sin may still hold influence. Ask God for the strength to break free from those chains.

Choose to wholeheartedly serve righteousness in your daily life. Let your thoughts, words, and actions reflect your devotion to God.

Encourage others by sharing your testimony of how God has transformed you from being a slave to sin to a servant of righteousness.

In choosing righteousness over sin, we find true freedom, purpose, and joy. As we live as servants of God, we experience the abundant life He promises, both now and for eternity. Let us walk boldly in the newness of life, knowing we are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness, leading to eternal glory with Christ.

~~~~~

Father God, thank You for setting me free from the bondage of sin and leading me into the joy of serving You. Help me to live as a slave to righteousness, bringing glory to Your name. Transform my heart and mind to desire Your will above all else. Thank You for the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus. Amen.

January 6 2025