1 Peter 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

There are quite a few places in the New Testament where we lose the impact of what is being said by translating “slave” as “servant,” and this is one of them. Here there is the very explicit contrast to “free men,” and without understanding that context, we imagine something Peter was not thinking at all. In reaction to an increasingly controlling government, the political philosophy of Libertarianism is gaining a lot of traction in the US, but that is not at all what Peter is talking about. Still there are enough similarities that Peter’s warning here is quite applicable: “do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” Some in the Libertarian camp seem to want to do exactly that, removing all restrictions on things like drugs and immorality. Whether the government is involved or not, those things aren’t wise! That’s why Peter says we are to “live as slaves of God.” Paul deals with this issue in Romans 6, pointing out that we are slaves to whatever controls us, and that it’s far wiser to live as slaves to righteousness than slaves to sin. Peter agrees completely! Sadly, some people approach grace as an excuse for sin, and that never ends well. A central element of the Gospel that is often overlooked is that in Christ, we are for the first time able to not sin. Our free will is genuine, but apart from Christ, we will always choose things that violate God’s plan for our lives, which is another way of saying that we choose things that do harm to us and to others. Obedience to Christ is true liberty!

This is something I have had to learn. As I think I’ve written recently, I know the literal thrill of deliberately doing something I know is wrong, so on one level I can understand those who continually do worse and worse. Sin is indeed a drug, and it takes higher and higher doses to give us the same thrill. I’m very grateful that the Lord has helped me understand that the end of that path is absolute destruction. That’s one more motivation to try to warn those who are on that path. As the Lord told Ezekiel so clearly, a watchman bears responsibility for the destruction of those he fails to warn. (Ezekiel 33:7-9) I don’t want that on my head! James also pointed out that those who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1) As a pastor and teacher, that should give me pause! However, I’m not to be anxious about it, but rejoice that God has invested in me, and delight to serve Him in everything I am and say and do.

Father, thank You again for Your perfect plan. Thank You for the witnessing of various sorts You’ve allowed me to do while I’ve been here. I pray that the words You’ve allowed me to speak and the written material You’ve allowed me to give, as well as whatever ways You’ve demonstrated Yourself through my attitude and behavior, would be fully effective in drawing people to repentance, faith, and commitment, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!