Romans 8:12 (NKJV)

“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die…”

I am a debtor. I am in debt. I must pay the debt. The sinful nature was my creditor and when I was a debtor to him, he dictated what I did and how I did it and when I did it. I was under his whims and caprices. But since I have been set free from the cruel creditor of sin, I no longer am obliged to answer his calls or give him any attention. Although he still calls me now and again, I pretend I do not hear him, neither do I pay attention to what he says, because my debt has been fully paid for and I will not pay for them a second time.

One evidence of the new birth and our correct location in Christ is that we refuse to give in to the demands, appeals and suggestions of the flesh; because we know that all debts have been paid. The newborn in Christ is suddenly aware that he is a debtor now to Christ, and just as he was under obligation to respond to the old creditor, more so now, he lives to joyfully respond to Christ – the giver of life. Before, we were forced to and kept paying an unending debt to the flesh and only received deadness in return. Now, however, we are free from compulsion, and we respond to Christ in freedom and love, and receive life and blessings in return, as we follow His Spirit. The difference is clear, hence the reason we keep following our new creditor.

“I owe You Lord. I owe You my entire life. I owe You everything. I am a debtor of love to You, my love and my Lord. Amen.”