People today have made a god out of freedom. For them, freedom is of paramount importance in everything--whether it is the freedom to abort a baby or simply to ride a motorcycle without a helmet.

Some freedoms are good, while others produce nothing but harm. For instance, society's rejection of traditional standards of morality has led to numerous social problems, including rampant teen pregnancy, broken marriages, and high crime rates.

The apostle Paul knew well that freedom is a mixed bag. He knew that each choice we make has consequences--either good or bad. And he knew that there is only one freedom that has no drawbacks--the freedom we gain through becoming the slaves of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:16-18).

Slavery to Christ frees us from the burden of trying to earn salvation through good works (v.23). It frees us from our former slavery to sin and puts us on the path that leads to heaven. We now are slaves to something that works in us to produce holiness (v.22).

You have the freedom to choose. It's a choice between two masters. You can appreciate true freedom only when you choose Christ as your Master.  — Herbert Vander Lugt