Prisoner of the Lord | AllWorship.com

What holds you captive?

Want to be free of it?

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Eph 4:1 NIV)

Paul says that he is a prisoner of the Lord. What does this mean? He was in chains because of his witness for Jesus. Most of us could say we have endured difficulty, but few of us have ever been arrested and imprisoned for our relationship with Jesus. Though I am not belittling what we go through here, I am saying that most of us have not suffered to Paul’s level.

Paul was imprisoned for his faith in Jesus, and therefore, he has earned my respect. Whatever my difficulties, I am still walking around free. So, how do we apply this verse to our lives today? How can Paul’s experiences help us?

Our captivity today is typically reckoned to be in circumstances, relationships, jobs, and such. We feel bound to do or not do things we resent. We feel that we have no alternative but to do what is demanded of us–and sometimes that is a compromise of our integrity.

The truth, however, is that in most of our cases where we would say that we have no choice but to give in to the pressure, demands, or circumstances or compromise our integrity, intentions, or values, the truth is that we mean we do not like the consequences of not giving in.

We can also feel in captivity to circumstances when there are things we want to do, feel compelled to do, or even called to do, but are unable to fulfill them because of social, cultural, political, or financial constraints. What then can we do about the captivity we feel?

First of all, is it real? Yes, it is real in this sense: We feel the emotions, and the emotions are real–in our minds. Those emotions exist and cannot be ignored. Therefore, as far as our experience goes, the captivity is real.

So, how can we break free of those things that bind us, hold us captive, or make us a servant to things to which we do not want to be subservient? I know only one way, and that is to make a decision, define our boundaries, and then hold to that decision regardless of circumstances.

This is what Paul did. He made a decision for Jesus. He held to it regardless of the threats against him, and even in the face of beatings, imprisonment, and torture. He never compromised. He never gave in. Though he did not like the consequences of his decision, he found joy in the results of his decision.

Paul considered being a prisoner for Jesus a badge of honor. He considered it the least he could do for the One who had done everything for him. And where do we stand on this point?

Most of us complain and resent our circumstances–if we are not outright bitter. I encourage you today to make it your intention to learn to see your situation differently: See your difficulties as an opportunity to stand for Jesus in the face of pressures that would demand that you compromise.

And even though you may feel captive in your circumstances, you can remain free in Jesus. This was Paul’s testimony. You can make it yours. This is how you can be free of the things that bind you. As Believers, we are, in truth, bound to something–SOMEONE–who is greater than any circumstance we can experience. And He gave us His freedom. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)