Freedom without authority is anarchy. Authority without freedom is slavery. True freedom is liberty under authority. It is a vain thing to think that man can be free without God. The history of man is the record of new “freedoms” that led only to new slavery. Every step man has taken to break free from God’s moral law has only brought him into more bondage. Why? Because man is made in the image of God; so, when he rebels against God, he is rebelling against himself as well!

God maintains His authority whether men accept it or not. God is still the supreme Ruler of the universe; His laws are still in force; His judgments are certain. If man cooperates with the laws of God, he will succeed. If he resists those laws, he will fail and be destroyed. God is speaking today in nature, in His Word, and in the human conscience; yet man will not listen. God is speaking today in grace, but one day He will begin to speak in judgment.

The athlete cannot find the freedom to use his skills unless he learns to submit to his coach. The student must submit to the teacher, the apprentice to the master craftsman. True freedom is found not in doing whatever you want to do, but in being all that God wills for you.

Verse for today: “I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8).

Also read: Jeremiah 26:13; Matthew 8:27; Hebrews 5:9; 13:17; 1 Peter 4:17.

Action assignment: Are you aware of any rebellion in your life? If not, thank God for the marvelous freedom and peace He has given you. If freedom and peace elude you, ask God to show you any lack of submission to His will that you may have. Decide to make obedience to God and His commands a priority. He will bless you with joyous freedom as you do His will.