What Are You Yoked To?
Scripture
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
Devotion
Pastor Darren used the image of two oxen under one wooden yoke: one labeled “ME,” the other labeled “MY STUFF.” That yoke keeps their heads close and forces them to walk together. That’s how many of us live—yoked to our “stuff.”
“Stuff” can be obvious sins—addictions, sexual sin, lies, substances. It can also be seemingly harmless things: screen addiction, constant noise, social media, habits that consume our time and affection. Anything that holds our heart tighter than Jesus becomes a yoke of slavery.
Christ set us free, not so we could drag the same old chains with a Christian label on them, but so we could walk in freedom. Yet Paul warns: we can go back under that yoke if we’re not careful. Pastor Darren confessed how chewing tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, and certain music had him yoked until the Lord broke those chains.
Freedom doesn’t mean you’ll never feel tempted again. It means you’re no longer chained to obey that temptation. But you must choose not to put your neck back under the yoke.
Reflection
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
— Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
Devotion
Pastor Darren used the image of two oxen under one wooden yoke: one labeled “ME,” the other labeled “MY STUFF.” That yoke keeps their heads close and forces them to walk together. That’s how many of us live—yoked to our “stuff.”
“Stuff” can be obvious sins—addictions, sexual sin, lies, substances. It can also be seemingly harmless things: screen addiction, constant noise, social media, habits that consume our time and affection. Anything that holds our heart tighter than Jesus becomes a yoke of slavery.
Christ set us free, not so we could drag the same old chains with a Christian label on them, but so we could walk in freedom. Yet Paul warns: we can go back under that yoke if we’re not careful. Pastor Darren confessed how chewing tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, and certain music had him yoked until the Lord broke those chains.
Freedom doesn’t mean you’ll never feel tempted again. It means you’re no longer chained to obey that temptation. But you must choose not to put your neck back under the yoke.
Reflection
- What are you currently “yoked” to—something always close at hand, always within reach, that pulls your heart away from God?
- Is there something you defend or justify, even though you know it’s slowing you down spiritually?
- Pray: “Lord, show me what I’m yoked to that You want to break off my life.”