Most people wake up and go through life bound by the chains and shackles of selfishness; constantly looking for more.  Searching for what they may gain, how they can get ahead, who to befriend, calculating returns for actions that are sown in vein, only to reap a dry dusty whirlwind.  The hidden tragedy is God has more, but the bondage keeps them locked away from God’s best.  Bondage unseen is always the bondage that limits you and maintains your lack in life and frustration.  It’s impossible to help someone with a problem they don’t believe they have.  When you see the shackles you begin to think how to escape.  When you’re oblivious you resign to the thought, “this is life,” and do nothing to change.  

Light illuminates what binds us.  Love is light.  Psalm 36:9 tells us in His light we see light, and by the context we understand His light is Love.  It is God’s love that sets us free.  Love is not self-seeking.  Light and dark cannot walk together.  Love and selfishness cannot walk together.  Saying you love your neighbor doesn’t matter unless you really love your neighbor.  God, who sees hearts, sees both actions prompted by love and those calculated steps performed for self in search of God’s rewards.

Most make decisions based on themselves (self-seeking).  This is a well worn path for people in this world, but it is a path of bondage.  Many need to quit acting like a cheesy lawyer, selfishly using God’s word like a legal document, demanding a judgement in your favor; that’s not love and much more how the enemy works.  This is a large part of why believer’s lack power.  He didn’t set us free to be selfish.  God has called us to live in Him, therefore we live in Love (1 John 4:16).  God is your Father, not some distant Judge; this implies heart to heart relationship that fathers have with their children.  Our success in life is directly proportional to our relationship with the God who is Love (1 John 4:8).  Many may have had a poor, or no, example of a loving father in this life and face a stronghold trying to believe their heavenly Father is love.  God demonstrates His love always; it is His kindness that leads us to change.  It is His kindness that weaves us into the tapestry of heaven on earth.  

The two commandments Jesus noted as the greatest are to love God & love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37).  These commands sum up the entire law and the prophets.  These are the litmus test for being led by the Spirit.  LOVE does not conform to religion, legalism, or works, but Love transforms all dry and weary routines.  Love breaks the chains of bondage.  Love brings freedom from selfishness.  Love leads us to the “more” God has for us.  The “more” God has is outside our shackles of self.  It is time to breakout and expand your tent stakes, it is time to live outside the box.  It is time to trust God with your whole heart.  Walk in love, trusting God to watch out for you, provide for you, and even surprise you with His goodness.  Follow the Spirit (Love) as He leads you on the perfect path of peace.  His love will be our light and His word will be a lamp to our feet.  

Father in heaven, forgive me for being self-seeking.  I want to walk in love.  Lead me today on the path of peace.  Open my eyes to what you see.  Give me grace to love like you love.  Live through me.  In Jesus name, Amen.