Service: An Unsung Gift of GodSample

Day 4: We Either Serve God or the Devil 

Some people think that to be set free from sin means that we can sin all we like. That's like someone being set free from slavery to the Taliban, only to return to them to be enslaved all over again. Just because believers in Jesus are set free from sin doesn't mean we are free to do what we like. 

Bob Dylan sings, 'well, it may be the devil, or it may be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.’ Someone might protest that we're not slaves, but adopted sons of God. A child who doesn't serve their parents, however, is spoilt, and God isn't the kind of Father who spoils His children. 

So, when the devil tries to tempt us to do his bidding, we can refuse, because we have a new Master now. We may not be perfect on this side of eternity, but we're not under Satan's authority once we submit to the Lordship of Christ. 

When we trust in Jesus, it's as though we have been crucified with Him to our old lives of sin. Just as Jesus defeated death, so do we, through faith in Him. So, when Satan tries to boss us around, we just need to remember that we're dead to him, and that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live for God. 

'Dear Lord, please help us to daily die to sin and live for You. Thank You that through faith in You, we don't need to sin any more, but are empowered to live for You, by Your Spirit, for Your glory, amen.' 

Do you give in to temptation and march to the devil's orders? If so, cry out to God to set you free and to help you to serve Him.