August 12, 2025

NO LONGER SLAVES, BUT HEIRS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’ Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist.”

Galatians 4:6-8 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul is writing about slavery—not just physical bondage, but spiritual slavery. For the Jews, this likely recalled their ancestors’ slavery in Egypt. But Paul also points to the Gentiles, saying they were once slaves to “so-called gods that do not even exist.” In other words, they were bound to empty, lifeless things.

As Americans, we rarely think of ourselves as slaves. We’re proud to live in “the land of the free.” But Paul’s words challenge us to look deeper. If there’s anything you need so badly that you can’t imagine life without it—then you’re not free. You’re a slave to that thing. It owns your attention, your time, your heart.

It could be a possession, a relationship, a title, a habit, a hurt, or even a reputation. If it consumes your thoughts and drives your choices, it’s not just part of your life—it’s your master.

Some people are slaves to their phones. They can’t go an hour without checking notifications or scrolling reels. Others are slaves to entertainment. I once visited a friend who had three TVs going at the same time during dinner. No silence. No stillness. Just constant noise.

Then there are habits that border on addiction. Not all are sinful, but they can still enslave us. I know some guys who are so consumed with golf—they’re either playing, watching, or talking about it nearly every waking hour.

Let me repeat a key truth:

If there’s anything you need so badly that you can’t imagine life without it, then you are a slave to that thing.

But here’s the good news:

Through Jesus Christ, God has invited us to be free—no longer slaves, but heirs. Jesus died on the cross to purchase our freedom from sin and bondage. And when we accept that gift, God sends His Spirit into our hearts—the Spirit who reminds us we are children of God.

We don’t have to live in chains.

We don’t have to bow to lesser gods.

We are no longer slaves—we are sons and daughters.

The first step toward freedom is asking the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in our lives that may be enslaving us. Then, day by day, we take small steps toward freedom.

Paul reminds us:

“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.”

And just like any good father, our Heavenly Father celebrates each step we take toward freedom. When a child takes their first steps, no loving parent criticizes them for falling. Instead, they clap, cheer, and help them back up.

God does the same. He is full of grace and mercy. He cheers us on, picks us up when we stumble, and never gives up on us. No matter how many times we fall, our Father is always ready to lift us again.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, show me any area of my life where I’ve allowed something other than You to take control. Reveal what’s holding me in bondage. Help me take the steps needed to walk in freedom. Thank You for calling me Your child and giving me the power to live free every day. Amen.

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