Ensuring Our Sustainability
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesThere is what is called a “catch and release” fisherman, where they do not kill the trout they catch, but net them and then set them free. It’s a technique that ensures sustainability — keeping trout and other species of fish from disappearing in heavily fished waters.
We recall Paul’s words about those who have been “taken captive” by Satan to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26), for we know that our adversary the devil does not catch and release but captures to consume and destroy (1 Peter 5:8).
We may think we can deliberately sin in a limited way for a short period of time and then free ourselves, but Jesus teaches us:
“Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” (John 8:34; cf. 2 Peter 2:19).
Even what we might call “little” sins, will eventually lead to greater and greater unrighteousness. We find ourselves entrapped and enslaved, and like the trout, we cannot wiggle free.
There’s no question that sin enslaves us, but when we yield ourselves in obedience to doing the Lord’s will (Matthew 7:21), we are “released” from the burden of sin (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). The result is righteousness through continued obedience (Romans 6:16; cf. Psalm 119:172), ensuring our sustainability as Christians (1 John 1:9).
Jesus assures us that “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36; Romans 6:18; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Related Articles:
- A Question Of Obedience
- An Appeal For Faithful Obedience
- The True Spirit Of Obedience
- Obedience From The Heart