“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23
Today’s daily devotional
As I dunk my aching feet in the warm basin of aromatic soapy water, my mind relaxes to a new level of bliss. Nothing makes a girl feel like a princess faster than a trip to her favorite nail salon.
My daily runs on the treadmill give me a special kind of empathy for the pedicurist who is attempting to work a miracle. My poor feet have seen better days—she definitely has her work cut out for her.
The glossy magazines that are strewn across the tables occupy my mind for a spell, but my wandering eye can’t help but catch a seductively dancing Britney gyrating on the television screen. Britney is singing about to being a slave to love. But, by the placid look on her face; she doesn’t seem to be too happy about it. I realize it’s just a music video, but it gets my mind reeling. It makes me think of Romans 6:20-23.
Whether we will admit to it or not, we are all a slave to whatever is that captures our hearts. Some people are enslaved to their jobs, relationships or even habits that they hate doing but cannot seem to stop.
Most of the time when people think of being a slave, a negative impression comes to mind. But, it is important to realize that any one of us can even be slaves to anything—even good things.
Our heart reflects our passions and those passions are what we can easily become “slaves” to. Who or what drives you and what you do?
I happen to know a person who is addicted to snacking on red peppers, giving food to the poor, daily strolls in the park and prayer with God. Even if your habits are “good” things you can never go wrong by checking your motives. The more you do this, the more you will realize how dependent on God we are even for him to help us clean up our “good deeds”. He keeps us far from that ugly thing called: PRIDE.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I don’t want anything to control me but you. I don’t want an Oreo cookie, my desire for approval, or my insecurities to rule over my life and control the choices that I make.
I want the Holy Spirit that lives within me to take control. Lord, there are many people that are letting their passions take them to places that are not good.
Today I commit to not making excuses anymore. I am responsible for this life you have given me, and I can make the choice to be “addicted” to good things or bad. Lord, give me a taste and a desire in my heart for what you want for my life.
Bring those good things my way and help me to recognize and be drawn to them. Help me to see where I have made mistakes in the past and give me a mind to steer clear from those temptations.
The good life will take a new discipline of good habits and I am willing to go through the season of pain and growth because I know on the other side of it is healing, restoration and spiritual clarity.
The most important thing I want to avoid is the sin of pride. Show me the reasons behind the things that I do and if my heart is not in the right place, help me to confess it quickly so I can remember that you are the source of all good things—even the little things and the reasons behind them! In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s daily devotional on Romans 6:20-23
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan