Serving the Right One

Mighty good to have you stoppin’ by here, friend! Step right on up here on this ol’ front porch and rest your weary bones for lil’ ol’ moment. If you were any closer to bein’ more welcome, I’d have to scoot away that nosy armadillo that keeps waddlin’ across the boards like it’s inspectin’ the place for a homestead and hush that wide‑eyed deer starin’ through the fence slats like it’s waitin’ for a supper bell. This porch has seen everything from a possum that tried to curl up in my wood‑box to a big ol’ turtle that climbed the steps like it wanted to register to vote. So, you sure do fit right in with the rest of us around here. Let’s settle our hearts and let God’s Word drift through our spirits like the smell of biscuits risin’ in a warm country kitchen.

Here’s a story a country preacher once told about a man named Earl who lived at the edge of town. Earl owned a prize‑winnin’ Banty rooster that he treated like royalty. He fed it better than he fed himself, built it a fancy lil’ coop with curtains, and strutted around braggin’ on it like it was the crowned prince of the whole barnyard. One day the preacher asked Earl why he was so devoted to that rooster. Earl shrugged and said, “Well, I guess I just do whatever it wants.” The preacher chuckled and said, “Friend, you might want to check who’s servin’ who around here.” Earl realized that somewhere along the way he had stopped ownin’ that rooster and started obeyin’ it like it plum owned him. The preacher said Earl never forgot that lesson because it showed him how easy it is to become a slave to whatever we git to holdin’ in high esteem.

That story reminded me of Romans 6:16, which says, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves as slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey.” Paul explains in Romans 6:17-19 that “We were once slaves to sin, but through Christ we become servants of righteousness.” And Galatians 5:1 strengthens the message by sayin’, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” We’re not meant to be chained to old habits, stubborn sins, or anything that tries to boss our hearts around. We’re meant to walk free. Psalm 119:32 adds, “I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.” Obedience ain’t bondage. It’s the doorway to freedom.

Friend, everyone serves somethin’. Shame, anger, fear, or righteousness. Christ invites us to serve Him because His yoke brings joy, peace, and purpose. Obedience ain’t drudgery. It’s the real path to blessin’.

Father, thank You for settin’ me free from everything that once held me captive. Teach me to obey You with a willing heart. Shape my choices so they honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Alright then, friend, as you head down the path toward your daily doin’s, picture obedience walkin’ right beside you like a wise ol’ sheepdog that knows exactly where the flock needs to be goin’ to bed down for the night. Picture freedom risin’ in your spirit like sunlight spillin’ across a meadow after a mighty long night. Picture strength settlin’ in your heart like a barn cat curlin’ up in the warmest patch of hay. And picture God smilin’, knowin’ you’re choosin’ the path that leads to righteousness, joy, and a life that’s truly free in Him.

With joy,

Gwen