The relationship that Christians have with the Lord should be an intimate one. The purpose for Christ coming was to make people children of God (John 1:12). We take for granted the relationship we have with the Father. As a son, we have an inheritance that is far greater than what any earthly father could give his child! Christ has gone to prepare a place for those who are now God’s children, have you decided to accept your inheritance or are you simply slaving away in sin?
The Old Law kept God’s people in bondage at one time (Gal. 5:1). Christ has freed us from the bondage of that Law and those who obey Him have liberties like never before. Think about those who are still slaves to this world, what freedoms do they have? What is their purpose in life? What are their daily goals? What do they have to look forward to in eternity? People of the world may have answers for these questions, but they do not realize the big picture of God’s redemption for mankind. A Christian knows their purpose, which is to live a godly life and remain faithful (1 John 1:5-7). The daily goals for a Christian ought to be to bring as many souls to Jesus as possible (Matt. 28:18-20). A Christian has a home in heaven with God to look forward to when this life is over (Rev. 21). What a life and what a freedom we enjoy! Do we choose to live this life or is it forced upon us? That is the difference between being a son and being a slave. A son obeys his father out of love and respect. A slave serves out of forced labor. We ought to rejoice daily that God has blessed us with the adoption of becoming His sons and daughters (Gal. 4:7-9).
The Parable of the Prodigal Son sheds light on the relationship Christians have with God. As the runaway son lived his life of promiscuity, he realized that he would have a much better life returning back to his father’s. He returned home with the intention of just being a slave for his father, but his father would not accept his son’s wish. The father restored his son to his former position and honor, threw a feast for his son’s return, and all was well (Luke 15:11-25)! Consider that we all have been or are still runaways from God, just like the prodigal son. The Lord has showered us with blessings, yet we reject Him and go our own way. Many of us have found the Lord and His salvation when we were at our lowest point. While at our lowest point we have humbled ourselves to seek our Father’s house and would be content being a slave under His feet, for that is all that we deserve. Yet, God met us at the front gate and welcomed us back as His children when we did not deserve it. If you want out of bondage turn to Jesus Christ, for He is the only spiritual liberator of this world (John 8:32). Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:34-37). A person can either be a slave to their desires or they can be sons of freedom in Christ. Are you a slave or a son?
If you are still in slavery to sin, you must realize that your labors are in vain. Those of this world are working for no profit, tilling for no gain, and wasting their years in vanity. There is work needed in the kingdom of the Lord and its labor is always profitable and there is never a wasted effort! Make the change from slave to son while there is still an opportunity to do so.
– Brandon Foresha
