Are You a Bird on a String?

For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin. Acts 8:23

If the Son sets you free--you will be free indeed! John 8:36

A bird that is tied by a string--seems to have more liberty than a bird in a cage; it flutters up and down--and yet it is held just as fast.

When a man thinks that he has escaped from the bondage of sin in general, and yet evidently remains under the power of some one favored lust--he is woefully mistaken in his judgment as to his spiritual freedom. He may boast that he is out of the cage--but assuredly, the string is on his leg!

He who has his fetters knocked off--all but one chain--is a prisoner still.

"Let not any iniquity have dominion over me," is a good and wise prayer; for one pampered sin will slay the soul--as surely as one dose of poison will kill the body!

There is no need for one to be bitten by a whole nest of deadly vipers--the tooth of one cobra is quite sufficient to insure his destruction.

One sin, like one match--can kindle the fires of hell within the soul!

The practical application of this truth, should be made by the professor who is a slave to any lust, or to covetousness. How can you be free--if any one of these chains still holds you fast?

We have met with professors who are haughty, and despise others; how can these be the Lord's free men--while pride captivates their heart?

In will and intent--we must break every chain of sin! We must perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord, or we cannot hope that the Son has made us free indeed.

O Holy Spirit--break every chain of sin, I beseech you!

~ Charles Spurgeon