Thoughts for the Day

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, 'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' They 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"?'

Jesus answered them, 'Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Did you know that it takes around six weeks to get rid of a craving for sugar? It's quite insidious but as strong as a craving for alcohol, cigarettes, even salt, or anything else that we cannot give up. So if you like chocolate or cakes and want to go on a diet, it's going to take six weeks before your longing for them disappears. However, it does disappear finally.

Jesus says to his followers that those who sin are a slave to sin. This is a craving like any other craving and it's hard to give up. And if like my dear old Aunt you're saying "I don't sin" forget it, we all sin! My Aunt equated sin with stealing, or adultery or killing someone, but sins are also those things like pride, jealousy, lying, selfishness, and gossip. So if you don't want to be a slave to sin, you really need to work on giving it up. If things go wrong, ask God's forgiveness and try again - don't give up. Jesus says he will make us free of sin!

Lord Jesus,
You taught your followers
that sin was a craving
and one that kept them enslaved.
We too admit our failings,
and ask your help in
overcoming the sins
we often ignore.
Amen.