"Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians, ch. 5, v. 1*).
The word "captive" evokes quite a specific image in the mind. It usually involves a person who is in chains or thrown into a dark prison. The truth, however, is that we are all captives to one thing or another. This can be quite obvious, like drugs or pornography, which cause great harm and prevent us from glorifying God with our bodies (see 1 Corinthians, ch. 6, vv. 18-20). But there are thousands of other things, many of which seem harmless at first glance, but limit our access to the freedom Christ provides (see Luke, ch. 4, v. 18).
Perhaps you are a slave to praise and suffer when you feel neglected. Or you long for success and spend too much time striving to attain wealth or power. Yes, even good things, like hard work and relationships, can enslave us if we are not careful. Thank God, the Lord Jesus came to bring liberation—to all of us!
For reflection: Consider areas of your life where you are not truly free. It will be necessary to spend some time in prayer and reflection (you can keep a journal if that helps you). Identify where you are not free and ask the Lord to break those chains.
The Bible quotations are from The Bible, New Translation from the Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013
Link to the original article: https://www.intouchuk.org/read/daily-devotions/breaking-your-chains