Think truth - and live free

“Am I not free?” People ask Jesus this question - people who believed in him. An honest question. A self-confident one too. And perhaps you are asking yourself exactly the same question: I am not a slave. I make my own decisions. I am free!

But is that really true?

Jesus answered his listeners back then - and us today - with surprising clarity:

“Everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)

That sounds harsh. But this is precisely where the truth is hidden that makes us free. For we are mistaken when we believe we are free, even though we are actually bound - by destructive thoughts, false beliefs or entrenched patterns of life.

The lie often disguises itself well. It sounds reasonable, even modern:

“I don't understand this - so I reject it.”

“I want this - so it must be right.”

“I feel good about it - so it can't be wrong.”

But if we are honest, we feel these “truths” keep us stuck. They lead to burnout, loneliness, guilt and inner emptiness. And at some point, the lie whispers in our hearts: “You can't help it. There is no way out.”

The father of lies - as the Bible calls the devil - wants you to believe that you are not responsible, not changeable, not loved. But this is exactly where the liberating message of the gospel begins:

Jesus is the truth. And this truth has the power to renew your thoughts, to break your chains, to set your heart free.

“If you abide in my word, you will know the truth - and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

This does not mean that everything suddenly becomes easy. But it does mean that you no longer have to remain trapped in the old ways of thinking. You can learn to think anew - in God's truth.

“I don't understand this (yet) - but I don't reject it.”

“I want this - but I'm asking God if it's good for me.”

“I feel good - but I check my feelings against the Word of God.”

When you accept Jesus as Lord, a change of rule begins: truth replaces lies. Step by step. Day by day.

Next Step: Lies have power as long as you believe them. Ask the Holy Spirit to expose the lies in your life and replace them with His truth.