Shake the Shackles

Last year on an episode of “Duck Dynasty,” Willie and his Uncle Si found themselves handcuffed to one another … and no key. The situation, of course, was humorous at times. I really can’t imagine going through even a few hours shackled to Mr. Bill, but I’m quite confident we wouldn’t be checking trail cameras (and fighting chiggers), stocking deer feeders, or browsing the hunting section at Wal-mart.

What’s the difference in our “sin” and “sins” besides one being singular and the other plural? Friend, be wiser than the world -- know we all are born with a sin-nature (yes, even precious babies). God dealt with man’s sin-nature, the root sin: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). Hallelujah and Amen for the new life we have in Christ at salvation: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Even with the new nature, but what about those pesky urges to … sin? Why do I still gossip, complain, disobey? Satan doesn’t give up just because we’re new in Christ; no, he turns up the heat! We live in a fallen world where sin abounds, and we continue to struggle with the fruit-sins of our lives. Do you wonder sometimes why God seems so far away and you don’t feel His Presence? One reason -- unconfessed sin! I heard a man say one time he really couldn’t think of any sins in his life – come on, now! No bad attitude, no hatred, no unforgiveness, no arrogance? Believer, do not forget: we don’t battle flesh and blood but rather the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). In the power of the Holy Spirit, nurture the new nature in you; begin by admitting (agreeing with God) about both the conscious and unconscious sins. When we do, there’s renewed fellowship with The Father, a sweet and amazing unshackling. We are redeemed by the blood of Christ to live in hope and experience intimate fellowship with God! I challenge you to live each day in victory – confess your sins and know the delightfulness of Him Who is “faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9). Shake the shackles!