It seems like many people are powerless and stuck in many addictions, pain, and patterns of life that are detrimental to themselves and others around them. That’s sad. They have been mastered by sin, distraction or injury. I had an acquaintance and friend in Northern California. Peter was from India. We were part of a Bible study together. He would begin his prayers by saying “Master, Jesus…” I love that! Peter recognized that to be a Christian, we agree to allow Jesus to be our maximum authority, Lord, and teacher. He is our model in all things. He is our source and our goal. The apostle Paul warned the Corinthian church of their great freedom in Christ, but also their responsibility to not be mastered by anyone or anything else. “All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” He went on to argue why they should cease from their practice of having illicit sex with pagan temple prostitutes. His strong argument centers around our unity with Christ. Let’s not unite Christ with debauchery, error, and prostitutes- physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. Do you not know that your bodies are parts of Christ? Shall I then take away the parts of Christ and make them parts of a prostitute? Far from it! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall become one flesh.” But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:14-17 NASB
Is Jesus the Master of all in my life? What have I allowed into my life that is contrary to His purity, love, and righteousness that divides us from one another?
God, as this day begins- I am reminded afresh of the great privilege You’ve afforded- to be united with my creator by the saving work of Your Son, Jesus. Wash me, sanctify me, and justify me in the name of the Lord Jesus. Master, Jesus- have Your way in me this day. Move and guide me, open my mouth and close it. Put Your thoughts in my mind, Your passion in my heart, and Your goals as my goals. Speak Lord, for Your servant awaits.
