“How can a man be happy who is the servant of anything?” That question was asked by the Greek philosopher Plato. Most people would agree. We live in an Invictus age where “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” At least, I want to be! Freedom and happiness are seen as the result of being in total control. But for the believer, freedom takes a different turn.

1 Peter 2:16
Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Real freedom comes from Jesus (John 8:36). He is the only One who can set us free from our slavery to sin. Only through Christ can we truly live as “people who are free.” This freedom, however, is not a “license for immorality” (Jude 1:4 NIV) or a “cover-up for evil.” This freedom allows us to live a life pleasing to God and to serve him out of love and gratitude.

A person cannot be happy if they are the servant of anything. A person can only be happy if they are a servant of the living God!

Father, thank you for the freedom that comes through Jesus. May we never take your grace for granted, use it as a license to sin, or cover up our sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.