2022_07_22 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Romans 5-6
I once heard a story of a secretary bird that had been raised in captivity in South Africa. After several years of zoo life, the bird was released into the wild. When it came time to let this bird free, the keepers opened the cage so it could fly away, but the bird remained in the cage. It took some hours for the bird to finally realize it was free.
And so it is with us. Romans 6:11-12 says:
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
When Jesus died on the cross, the penalty of our sin was paid for, and any legal requirements were forever broken. We are, therefore, able to live a very different life and can count our sin as dead. The day-to-day reality of our lives can feel the opposite of this truth. If we do not believe that we are free in Christ, we will not fly.
Here is a list I’ve been making a list this week of what it might look like to live as if I’m free:
I would speak God’s truth over myself- Instead of my internal tape repeating self-condemnation, I would see the lies from the enemy and choose God’s words. For example, I’d exchange shame felt over my sin for being forgiven and set free.
I would not let defeat overtake me- Part of conquering sin is knowing that there is hope for change and that with Jesus, change is real. If I need help from others to listen to me and help me grow, I’d find it.
I’d ask God to help me be aware of his presence throughout the day- While I may not always feel God’s Holy Spirit, I have the knowledge that God is always with me. We are quickly prone to wander even minutes after spending time with God. The awareness that I am not alone helps me remember whose I am and that I am exactly where I need to be.
Prayer
God, we are so grateful today that you have counted us dead to sin and alive in Christ.
Show each of us where sin reigns and help us to not obey its evil desires.
Help us to conquer sin by Jesus’ power.
In Christ’s name, we pray.
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead