Lessons from morning devotion-more reasons to die to self

Paul asked, What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!  Romans 6:21 
this is the very realization I had on my therapist's couch this week.  That things I called "self" were behaviors that had lead to my own demise...and that yes, a lot of it created a great deal of shame.  compulsive eating, drinking too much, relationships and emotional attachments to the wrong people, smoking, etc have all lead me to reap death in my life.  Death of my self-worth, stupid decisions, dangerous/reckless behavior, a loose tongue that hurts people, and just drama,drama, drama.

Paul goes on to say " You are set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and the result is eternal life" Romans 6:22

But it doesn't end there.  B/c honest the idea of being a "slave" to anything is a bit aversive to me.  And as much as I'd love to live forever, fear of death was never a reason I decided to follow Christ.  So what do i get?  Being a slave sounds sucky.  But you know what, that's the human me talking and the human me doesn't not understand the things of the spirit.  God's spirit growing inside me allows me to get it.  and then there are these wonderful list to put into words what the Spirit allows us to experience.  I love to lists.

What do i get for being a slave to God....well, his Spirit w/ in me which leads to:

1. love
2. joy
3. peace
4. patience
5. kindness
6. goodness
7. faithfulness
8. self-control

These are all things I am incapable of on my own. 
What does my nature give me?  well, let's compare:

1. sexual immorality
2. impurity
3. debauchery
4. idolatry and witchcraft
5. hatred
6. discord
7. jealousy
8. fits of rage
9. selfish ambition
10. dissension
11. envy
12. drunkenness
13. orgies

Not a great life, eh?  and in additon to that, you will never see God.  The beautiful thing about the Spirit is that not only do you get list A, but the things that we natural do in list B are "crucified"  I love that imagery.  Galations says "those who belong to Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it's passions and desires"

Praise be to God for his overflowing gifts of love.
doesn't sound much like slavery does it?  and you know what, it is not.  Jesus says that we aren't servants.  b/c servants don't know their master's plans.  And that he's letting us in on the plan so we aren't slaves.

Thank you, Father, for the joy that comes from serving you.