Bondage
Since writing yesterday’s post the Lord has enlightened me a little more with this whole idea of bondage. When the word is thrown out there I think our minds immediately jump to two conclusions. I am either free or in bondage. But after giving it some thought I think it is possible to be free and in bondage at the same time. For clarification lets start with the definitions:
bondage |ˈbändij|
noun
figurative: a state of being greatly constrained by circumstances or obligations
freedom |ˈfrēdəm|
noun
• the state of not being subject to or affected by (a particular undesirable thing)
I think it is healthy for Christ followers to realize that we can be free and in bondage at the same time. Otherwise we might get so puffed up with what we are accomplishing for the Lord in one area of our lives that we easily overlook another area. For instance its possible to feel free because we serve in the church but be in bondage because we are bitter toward another person. Its possible to be free in the area of giving because we tithe faithfully but be in bondage because we don’t like someone. This is how I believe the enemy we wrestle against lays out schemes and trips us up. We think our unhealthy behavior is justified because we have some healthy behavior that we feel good about. We must all be cautious and allow the WORD to penetrate our hearts. Probably best here to allow the TRUTH to speak to us:
1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
2 Corinthians 2:10-12 (NIV)
10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 Peter 2:15-17 (NIV)
15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
BEWARE OF BONDAGE BE FREE !!!
Does it have more to do with failing to allow God to convince you his will for any particular problem with someone is better? It seems that continuing in your will in that situation seems to be constraining while following his will offers freedom. I know that I have fouled a relationship up in my own will and allowed things to get progressively worse for months before deciding to follow his will. When I decided to allow God to convince me that his will is perfect and when I scripturally approached the problem, I was completely free from that problem. I am not affected by or subjected to it anymore. It was a humbling exerience and very tough but am not puffed up about it anymore. I don’t see how being bound by discontent is healthy for my spirit.I don’t see the connection. Please advise more.
Shannon thanks for the comment. It is never healthy to be in bondage. What I am saying is that it is healthy to realize that you can be free and in bondage at the same time. The key word is realize. Realization is what is healthy not the bondage. If you are conscious of something you can deal with. I think think its easy to overlook bondage in certain areas of life because you feel freedom in other areas. I suppose the point I am trying to make is that it is possible to be free and still live with a slave mentality.
This is great stuff Jimmy. It’s a great subject because it’s something we all deal with and can relate to. It’s very eye-opening. You are right – we need to turn to the Word and the Truth. When I catch myself with things that are wrong-thinking – just opening up the Bible always makes me realize what a dork I’m being.
The truth penetrates like a knife and if we would just stay in it more – it would save a lot of heartache and confusion – and help us live the victorious lives we need to be living in Him.
Excellent topic Jimmy.
Would you say bondage is similar to a stronghold?
Very similar but also different. A stronghold is a fortress from which one operates. Whereas bondage is more like tying a person up and restricting him/her. A stronghold would indicate more than bondage. The enemy would use bondage to begin constructing a fortress from which he would operate. That is why bondage is so dangerous.