In Chicago, Illinois, there is a “place
of refuge and transformation for the homeless and hurting” called Pacific Garden Mission. Since 1877, they have been sharing God’s message of salvation as well as meeting the physical needs of the people they minister to. One of their furthest reaching ministries is a radio program called “Unshackled.” It is the longest running radio drama in history as it re-enacts the true stories of people’s lives, changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of the people that visit PGM are chained to the sins and addictions that led to their current lifestyle and are seeking help.

As a Christian, we are no longer to be a slave to sin. “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬-‭36‬). However, I’ve noticed that we tend to return to our chains and attempt to put them back on. There can be a familiar comfort of a time when things seemed “easier” or more “care free.” Sometimes the devil will paint the chains in gold and dangle them in front of you. Or you may see others still shackled who seem like they are the ones who have it all together. So we pick up those chains and try to put them back on. Yet immediately start wondering why our Christian walk is suddenly hindered. Maybe even trying to put the chains in a backpack or your pocket so you can take them with you for later, more discretionary use.

My friend, PUT THE CHAINS DOWN AND WALK AWAY! You are free in Christ Jesus. There’s no longer a reason to be ensnared by the sins that so easily beset us (Hebrews 12:1-2). Trust me when I say that I know it’s easy to say but hard to do. I struggle and fail, but God hasn’t given up on me and won’t give up on you. Take this moment and take a stand, even if it’s a stand from your knees and declare, I have been set free! I don’t need these chains of sin, guilt, lust, greed, envy, etc. Once you have been freed, you are free eternally and no one or no thing can chain those sins to you anymore, so there’s no need to carry them (Matthew 11:28-30). You are forever free and secure – “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand (John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬-‭29‬).

Live an unshackled life, unburdened by the chains Jesus took for you. If you are ever in the area, stop by Pacific Garden Mission and listen to a show, grab some dinner and speak to these lost sheep needing the truth to set them free (John 8:32). Think about donating to them or another similar cause. And be sure to give this song a prayerful listen – Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin.