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Category: A Deeper Word

Published: Tuesday, 11 August 2009 02:52

Written by Mark Neddeau

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There are definite differences between being a captive in Christ, being in submission to Christ and just being in bondage.  I would like to discuss a few of them here:   In the bible the word CAPTIVITY means a variety of things.  it can be derived from words meaning, among other things:

exiled - taken away. / a Former state of prosperity. / to collect, carry away as a prisoner. / To strip or reveal or shamelessly show. / finally, to overthrow or reject - take into captivity.  Exile is being forced from one's own environment.  Being made an exile and losing prosperity, being collected or forced.  All of these things indicate that nothing about captivity is WILLING. 

SUBMISSION, however, is entirely different.  To abase oneself, chasten oneself, humble oneself.  To trample self, prostrate self.  Nothing about submission is forced.  It is a CHOICE of personal desire.  FREEDOM is the condition of being free.  At liberty or not under obligation.  When someone submits they'll know it because they will find contentment in the submission itself.  Captivity is just the opposite.  There's no contentment, you have no satisfaction.  You will take the first chance to break out because you did not choose the life you live.  It is chosen for you, and all the parts of it are orchestrated by another.  No freedom, no liberty and no peace. 

Moses opened a door to people's rebellion when he went up on Mt. Siani.  Why?  Because they had traded one captivity for another.  They were not used to freedom without obligation to another.  In fact they were captive to habits and passions.  When given a moment without supervision, they broke out in rebellion because they had only gone with Moses to escape the prison of Egypt, not to serve the Lord!  They used freedom to be without obligation to anyone.  It is a fact that most people need guidance.  Giving a people freedom without obligation is a trap for them.  Hence, God gives us a choice.  Be captive to this world and it's passions, or submit to him and be freed from it!

Submission requires a personal decision to obey the one to whom you are submitting.  Captivity removes your need to make decisions.  You are captive to your labors thanks to Adam and Eve.  Most of us are not independently wealthy.  Often you see those who are living a life of debauchery and not obligated to anyone.  We are captive to sins because of the temptation in the garden.  The acts of another have obligated us to a life of sin.  BUT, the submission, the willful decision to become HIS captive, FREES US from the decision made by Adam and Eve.  By choosing to become a prisoner of Jesus Christ, we are actually taking responsibility for our lives, and entering into the FREEDOM of the spirit.  It is an interesting contradiction that flows beautifully together.  By refusing God, we become subject and captive to sin and it's result...death.  By choosing to submit, and obey God we are freed to live a holy life and enjoy a righteous master's benefits. 

Why let the devil bring you into bondage, when you can CHOOSE freedom by submitting to the Lord!  Let Jesus set you free.  Make a personal choice to obey and reap the benefits.  Or, choose to ignore this option, and be a slave to sin.  Ultimately, that choice will decide your fate. 

In Love,

Elder Mark Neddeau

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