Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Think about this: how tragic would it be if, after all that Martin Luther King did for civil rights, our country legalized slavery again? Or can you imagine those who were given rights living as if they had none? Slaves set free only to live in slavery. It would be, in a word, tragic. But substitute the name of Christ for Dr. King and you have just described the powerless church of America. We have been set free from our sins by Christ and yet we allow ourselves to be burdened with those sins again. Tragic.

You can imagine the apathy, discouragement and defeat that would ravage our culture and country if slavery came back, but can you also see the devestating effect it has on our culture when Christians don't live freely? It says to unbelievers that there really isn't power in Christ to save. It says to racial enemies that there really isn't power in Christ to reconcile. It says to every man and woman caught in addiction that they are left to their own power to break free. It is a message of hopelessness and helplessness and it is the opposite message that Jesus lived, died and rose again to proclaim!

Jesus' victory over death was the proof that He has the power to save, to reconcile and to set free. And it is the proof that He has the power to help us live free, too. The only real question is whether or not the people who claim to be free will actually begin to live free. I mean, I can give you a car but you still have to drive it off the lot, right? Jesus has the keys to living free...

...will you get in and drive?