John 8:31-36 (NRSV)
Read John 8:31-36 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; Verse 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Verse 33They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?" Verse 34Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Verse 35The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. Verse 36So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
Devotion
So often we are oblivious to the things that hold us captive. Perhaps we even create rational explanations that pretend such things do not hold us captive but instead aid in our daily lives. Occasionally I leave the house without my phone, and very quickly I am incapable of functioning. My phone book, social lifeline, navigator, photos and all the information I could possibly want are suddenly missing, and I don't know how to function. In my everyday life, I am hesitant to say, I am probably a slave to my phone. There are countless other things that hold me captive. (You, too, are the same; but don't worry, I won't tell anyone). I am thankful for the freedom that comes in the words that my identity and worth are not tied to the things which hold me captive, but to the promise of freedom in Christ Jesus, which I crave to hear.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, set me free from my own selfishness and all of those things that draw me away from you. Help me to be aware of what you are up to in the world. Amen.