A spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. Before execution, the general would go through a rather unusual ritual. He would give the criminal a choice between the firing squad or the big, black door. This spy was given the usual choice. He deliberated for a long time then finally decided on the firing squad. Moments later his life was extinguished.
The general turned to his aide and said, “They always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet, we gave him a choice.” The aide himself did not know what fate lay behind the big, black door so he asked his commander. “Freedom,” replied the general, “and I’ve only known a few brave enough to take it.” Freedom can be a frightening endeavor. Far too many choose familiar slavery rather than taking a risk for freedom.
Mattery’s Quips and Quotes
Romans 8:15 – For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Galatians 5:1 – It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
II Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Mike