DON’T FALL BACK INTO FEAR
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:15, ESV
Theme: Do not fear – you are beloved children delivered from sin, not conscripted slaves to it.
CHORES
When I was growing up, I was required to do chores. Looking back, I see this requirement as having been lenient. I was given days off. Though the chores were regular and recurring, they were also manageable and mutually beneficial. My parents would often go out for a walk after dinner, leaving my brother and I to clean up. We were fed, cared for, and safe. Also, we were clearing the table and washing dishes. It took us too long. We sang songs from our favorite movies, splashed water everywhere, and often had to redo some of the work. I think my parents went on a walk so they didn’t have to suffer watching how slowly and poorly (compared to them) we accomplished the work. Did I wonder if my parents were using us to get a clean kitchen at the time? Yes, I sure did. I thought that my contributions were making their job easier. Yet, now as I parent with my own children from whom I require chores, I see that the chores I was assigned were more for my good than theirs. Kids need to learn lessons from contributing to a family. However, their contributions should not be overwhelming or predatory. Slaves are used for the master’s benefit; children are trained for their own benefit.
SLAVES AND SONS
I’ve never been a conscripted slave. Yet, I have been enslaved. Enslaved to a job, to fears, to demands, to health limitations, and to commitments. How do we know we are enslaved? Good parents are gentle leaders. Sons and daughters are parented, provided for, sacrificed for, loved and welcomed home. Parents require us to do things we don’t prefer. However, their requirements are meant to teach us and help us in the long run, even when we understand the purpose of a task at the time. Slaves are not valued like children. They are treated as property to build kingdoms, wealth, and power from which they will not benefit. Slaves are afraid of their masters because masters ultimately do not have the best interest of the slave in mind. When something bad happens to a slave like death, injury, sickness, embarrassment, or estrangement, the master is not concerned except as the slave’s misfortune affects his pursuits; thus, the slave has a good reason to fear.
FEAR
Fear is not unique to humans. Animals are afraid, sometimes of the same things people fear – death and loss of autonomy seem to be common to many species. Fear can cause us to react in a way we wouldn’t usually react. Preventing death, injury or loss of control are prioritized over other goals. However, when we acknowledge our position as image-bearing, adopted children of God, we also recognize that we are not subject to the same limitations or priorities. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13, ESV). A confusing concept. If we submit to (or become enslaved by) fear, we disbelieve God. But living brave and different acknowledges the truth: He set us free from sin, the same sin that caused death. We are delivered from death and everything that goes with it. So, what exactly are we so afraid of?
Make It Personal: Do you face life and (eventually) death like a beloved child of God or a fearful slave to sin? How can you cast off fear and embrace your place in God’s presence as His child because of Jesus?
Pray: Father, thank You for creating me and adopting me into Your family. Help me to recognize how loved and valued I am – so that I don’t fear anymore. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Romans 8:12-30
Weekly Memory Verse: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” Romans 8:15, ESV