Romans Part 3 - LIFESample

Choose Freedom

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7

When I was in high school, I remember having a conversation with my Bible Study leader, Kathy Cavanuagh. I was sharing how being human stinks because we are set up to fail since it’s impossible to not sin. I remember sharing how frustrated I felt when I would do my quiet time in the morning and commit to not sassing my mom or fighting with one of my siblings, only to quickly fail on both accounts while going about my day. Kathy smiled at me and said, “I am so proud of you for meeting with God daily and investing in your relationship with Him. You think you are failing, but choosing to live in a way that pleases God, is the first step. God will help you with changing behaviors, but it takes time. Keep meeting with Him and ask Him to help you as you work on changing these behaviors.”

In this passage, Paul is explaining that we are no longer slaves to sin, because Jesus’ death made it possible for us to choose to live a life that is not self-focused, but one that offers freedom from empty, selfish, and meaningless living. (Sinful living!) Instead, we are given the opportunity to choose to live in a way that pleases God and brings joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Once you get a taste of the goodness of the LORD, you will want to know Him more because He is FOR you; He is on your side, and He can be trusted with your life. Once you really know and love Him, there is no turning back.

You won’t want to live for yourself anymore because choosing a life with Jesus means freedom.

What kind of life will you choose?

-Mekelle Lewis