a natural slave

slavery feels more natural than freedom.

when i read this today, i had a slight shock. no wonder we are so easily tricked into sin. we lie to ourselves and are deceived into thinking that feelings should dictate our actions. i've heard again and again that we are born with a sinful nature, but it helped to have the consequences of this nature described in such a way.

"it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." -galatians 5:1

why would paul tell us to stand firm against slavery if it wasn't going to be a temptation to fall back into? we are born into a state of slavery, so it is understandable that it would feel natural to return to the state of our very beginning.

i think i needed this reminder-the struggle, the seriousness of the battle we are in.

lord, help me to see the slavery that has slipped ever so naturally back into my life.

help me to stand firm.