Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.Romans 6:6-10

How many times have you heard your friends say, “I just can’t do it! I just can’t let go of this stuff! I know it’s wrong, I just can NOT control myself!” Maybe those words have come out of your own mouth; maybe you feel like that stuff you know is gnawing at you on the inside has just too strong of a hold on you. Hold on my friends, because I have some insane news for you: Jesus has a completely different opinion of you and the strength that’s inside of you.

I can’t tell you how many years I spent in bondage to sin. I allowed it to rule my life, my relationships, my time.  Yes, I know, it seems absolutely absurd, but there are ACTUALLY Christians walking around who are still in bondage to sin and addictions! But then I read this passage, and my entire world came crashing down around me. “I don’t have to be a slave to this stuff? I’ve been made free? I live with Christ?” Once I read that and prayed to receive that freedom and actually BELIEVED it in faith, my life was never the same.

What do you need freedom from today? What are you allowing to rule you? Know that you God has a different idea of how your life should look like, and He has given you the tools to be free. Spend some time with the Lord today and receive the freedom from that stuff you think you can’t shake off… and I promise you… He WILL set you free!

-Jared Ellis
YFN 2010 Head Dorm Counselor