Robert & Kay Camenisch encouraging and equipping relationships

Me? In Bondage?

When inmates have served their time, paid their debt to society, and are released from prison, they are not yet free. They continue to live in bondage. At least that’s what Quovadis Marshall said at the conference of the International Coalition of Prison Evangelists (COPE) in Indianapolis. He has a point.

For instance, when inmates are released, many of their families–much less communities–won’t have anything to do with them. For the rest of their lives, former offenders have a record, which makes it difficult to find acceptance and to succeed in society.

It’s hard to find a job, especially one that will support a family. They can’t vote, though they must pay taxes. And more. Somebody listed 44 ways that former inmates do not experience the same liberties as those who have not been behind bars.

His point is well taken. Indeed, some–though not all–are changed and want to start over, but they need support. As they re-enter society, we can help them succeed and share our faith by supporting them as they find their way.

But that isn’t why I’m writing.

I’ve been wondering how the same principle applies to those of us who have never been incarcerated. Consider God’s chosen people.

The Israelites were miraculously freed from hundreds of years of slavery. But I suggest that they were still in bondage. After celebrating briefly, they murmured and complained every time they met challenges in life. They even wanted to go back to Egypt and had to spend 40 extra years wandering in the desert.

God provided for their every need, but they were not grateful for His care. Neither did their lives reflect the righteousness, peace, and joy that characterizes the kingdom of God. They remained in bondage after they were freed.

How much do we resemble the Israelites?

Freedom in Christ leads to righteous living, peace that passes understanding, and joy in daily life—even when things aren’t going our way. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Gal. 5:1a). But are we truly free?

David prayed, “Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Thy name” (Ps. 142:7). David suggests that a lack of thankfulness is a sign that we are in prison. Do those around us see us as grateful? Are we joyful and at peace?

Maybe we need to look a little closer.

There is a disturbing difference between us and the bondage of former inmates. Much of their bondage is caused by laws as well as fears and prejudices of society, whereas the things that would keep us in bondage are mostly of our own making.

Heart issues such as unforgiveness, judgment, bitterness, pride, greed, and lack of love will keep us in bondage. Not to mention hidden sins, such as love of money and love of pleasure (gluttony, materialism, pornography, immorality, etc.). Anything we consistently choose over Christ can keep me in prison.

Jesus paid our debt so we can be free indeed. In Paul’s words, we need to “keep standing firm and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery” (Gal.5:1b).

If we aren’t free, it is because of choices that we make. “The mind set on the flesh (our desires) is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (i.e. freedom) (Rom. 8:6).

Where is our daily focus? Our choices are under our control.

We can put aside the things that bind us. “Therefore, …let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36).

Search my heart, Oh, God, and reveal any sin that would keep me in bondage. Wash me clean, and help me to stand so I can be free ito run the race with endurance and freedom.