Staying Free

Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” 2 Peter 2:22 (New International Version)

What a vivid picture is painted with these words. As true as they are for dogs and pigs, they are more so for people. Experiencing freedom from bondage and sin is exhilarating, but oh the devastation to find oneself returning to the very thing you had been released from. The “vomit and mud” of our past can easily become part of our present if we allow it. For some, finding freedom may have taken years, but a return to the bondage can happen within minutes! Just one taste of what you begged God to free you from can entangle you once again. Whatever the addiction or sinful behavior was, is what we must continue to stand guard against and alert to. So how is that done? How do we “stand fast in the liberty in which Christ has made us free and not return to the bondage?” (Gal. 5:1) It necessitates seeing our enemy, our self, and our Source. Be AWARE!

Be aware that you have an enemy who knows you are free and desires nothing more than to allure you back into captivity. Just like the Egyptian army pursued the children of Israel with the intent on taking them back to Egypt and slavery, the enemy of your soul pursues you! You have won a battle for freedom but be assured there will be a war to fight in order to remain free. Satan is not going to just lie down and die. He is going to use every trick and tactic against you. He will use people, circumstances, weaknesses, temptations, counterfeits, and more to attempt to re-enslave you. Don’t give him what he wants. Always choose to stand and fight!

Be aware of your capability to return to bondage. James 1:14 says we are drawn away and enticed by our own lusts. That which first drew you into bondage still lives within you. Be aware of your areas of vulnerability and weakness. Set up limits for who or what you are involved. It will require the severing of unhealthy relationships and activities. Know the truth about your own sin nature and what you must avoid at all costs. Ask God to continually remind you of the pain you experienced that was used to birth in you a desire for freedom in the first place.

Be aware that your Source for continued freedom is Christ! Keep your eyes on Him and nurture yourself with the things that keep you close to Him. Feed on His Word, prayer, Christian fellowship, supplementary reading, inspiring music, and whatever else encourages your faith. Just as He set you free, He will keep you free as you cooperate with Him. Talk to Him, listen to Him, and yield to Him. He is passionate about you and your freedom!

Father, may I never forget the pain of bondage and the desire for freedom. Keep my passion for You foremost in my mind. May my bondage be to You alone! Captivate me with Yourself. Amen.