2 Corinthians 6:12, "You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections."
This is a powerful statement from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. We would do well to pay careful attention.
Who doesn't want to live a life without restrictions? Inherent in the heart of every person is the desire to be free. No one want to be a slave. However, what I find interesting is that those who push for freedom often find themselves slaves.
For instance: You have a teenager in your home who longs to be free. They don't like your rules, your restrictions, or your way of doing things. What happens next is a push to get out of the home & on their own. In doing so they become uninhibited in their behavior. Now you find someone addicted to various things (drugs, alcohol, sex, porn, etc.). In their push for freedom they have actually become enslaved!
This happens in our lives as well. The Corinthian church was full of various problems. This church had started out so well. However, they allowed their hearts to be turned. They allowed their affections to be poured out in other areas. They restricted the flow of God's love, spirit, and power in their lives. The apostles hadn't restricted them - they had restricted themselves.
Jesus said of the church at Ephesus in the book of Revelation that they had "left their first love." This departure caused them to have the wrong affections. Love for the things of the world always does.
When we become ruled by our affections rather than our faith we will see ruin all around us. Marriages fall apart we become affectionate about things other than our spouse. If we will LOVE the Lord our God with all that we have there will be no room for a wandering heart.
How do we get back to a life of freedom? Learn to live in the grace and mercy of our Lord. Worship Him in spirit and in truth. LOVE Him with all your heart. Then watch God allow you to break free.
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