“We are spiritual slaves. We see what should be done, but we can’t do it. And anybody who thinks they can simply hasn’t tried very hard. . . . As sin chips away at our minds, emotions, and resolve, we lose our freedom more and more.”- Timothy Keller
“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.”- Romans 7:14 (NIV)
In Chapter 8 (“Sin as Slavery”) of What is Wrong with the World?, Timothy Keller begins with this question. Why is it that even when we know the right thing to do, we still don’t do it? Furthermore, we nevertheless fail to live that standard over and over again.
The Bible explains that human hearts are sinful. Most significantly, the Bible informs us that we have become spiritual slaves to sin. Thus, the Bible describes sin as more than an action. Sin is also a power.
As a result, every sinful action unleashes a destructive power on the frailty that chose the action. So, no matter how we sin, that sin destroys our freedom and enslaves us.
Certainly, Pastor Keller acknowledges, anyone today would think the children of Israel were foolish to long for the days of ‘free’ food in Egypt. To submit themselves to slavery again. Hence, Timothy explains their desire:
“To any contemporary reader, the obvious thing to do is stick with the manna, however unappetizing it may be, and go on to the promised land. It’s so clear what needs to be done, but the Israelites can’t do it. They want to do it. They don’t do it. Why not? Because they are still slaves — not as they were in Egypt but slaves nonetheless: spiritual slaves.”
In conclusion, Pastor Keller notes what the apostle Pual wrote in Romans 7. The more Paul tried, the higher he aspired to live, aware of his spiritual slavery. That means, Timothy counsels, that if we’re not aware of our spiritual enslavement, we need to set our moral ambition higher.
Today’s question: What most helps you avoid becoming a spiritual slave to sin? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The driver’s seat of our life”