“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” – Romans 6:22
Obedience to God isn’t just a duty—it’s a miracle that begins the moment we’re born again. Romans 6:22 says, “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” That fruit isn’t just moral behavior—it’s the evidence of a transformed heart. God places within us a deep-seated desire to obey Him, what the Puritans called “holy longings.” These longings don’t fade with time; they grow. They’re the reason we keep coming back to God even after we wander. Romans 8:15 reminds us that we cry out “Abba, Father” not out of habit, but because the Spirit of adoption lives within us. That cry is proof that we belong to Him—and that obedience is now part of our spiritual DNA.
But obedience isn’t just internal—it’s practical. Paul uses the word “wages” in Romans 6:23 to describe the consequences of our choices. Just as Roman soldiers were paid for their service, sin pays its servants with death. And that warning isn’t just for unbelievers—it’s for believers too. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “If the believer refuses to surrender his body to the Lord… he is in danger of being disciplined by the Father, and this could mean death.” Think of the damage sin causes—disease, addiction, broken relationships. We don’t toy with sin because we’re in a war. Satan wants to use our bodies as weapons for evil, but God calls us to present our members for righteousness. We may struggle with sin daily, but we don’t plan it. We don’t take breaks from God to indulge ourselves. We fight, because we’ve been enlisted in a greater cause.
And here’s the good news: the gift of God is not just eternal life—it’s a quality of life. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me… out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). That’s the life we’re invited into. The Holy Spirit now lives in us, empowering us to walk in obedience and victory. So today, ask yourself: how is your quality of life in Christ? Are you walking in the joy and power He’s made available? If not, take up the Spirit’s strength. Present yourself to God. Let the holy longings within you lead you back to the One who planted them. You’re not just saved—you’re sealed, empowered, and called to live a life that flows with living water. Let that water run freely. Let obedience bear fruit. And let your life reflect the miracle of salvation
“In the old life, we produced fruit that made us ashamed. In the new life in Christ, we produce fruit that glorifies God and brings joy to our lives. – Warren Wiersbe
surrendered devotions 