No Longer a Slave

"Slaves work for approval, for acceptance, and for a place. But children don’t. A child belongs because of the love of the parent, not because of what they do. When we receive Jesus, we’re no longer slaves, anxiously striving for God’s favor. We’re adopted into His family, fully loved and fully accepted. And this isn’t something we earn—it’s a gift of grace."

Each of us is created by God, made in His image, and deeply loved by Him. But if we’re honest, life often feels like we’re trapped in a cycle of striving—carrying the heavy weight of guilt, shame, and the feeling that we have to earn our worth. No matter how hard we try, the brokenness of the world and our own mistakes keep us from experiencing the freedom and peace we long for. While we are all God’s creation, that alone doesn’t free us from the struggles and limitations that come from living apart from Him.

The incredible truth is that God didn’t leave us stuck in that place. Through Jesus, He invites us into something far greater: to become part of His family. This isn’t something we have to work for or prove we deserve—it’s a gift of grace. When we believe in Jesus, we’re adopted as God’s children, fully loved and accepted, just as we are. This changes everything. Instead of striving to earn God’s approval, we get to live out of the approval He’s already given us. We’re no longer slaves to fear or guilt; we’re cherished sons and daughters of a Father who delights in us.

This gift is life-changing, but it’s also personal. It’s an invitation that requires a response. Jesus offers freedom and a place in God’s family, but He won’t force it on us. Some choose to stay stuck in the darkness, holding onto the chains of sin and fear. But for those who take the step of faith, who receive the gift Jesus is offering, there’s a freedom that transforms everything—our identity, our purpose, and our eternity. The question for each of us is this: Will we stay in the place of striving, or will we step into the light and freedom of being God’s child?