Stockholm "Sin"drome – Galatians 5:1

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.
– Galations 5:1

Stockholm "Sin"drome

"Stockholm Syndrome" describes the behavior of kidnap victims who become sympathetic to their captors. The name comes from a 1973 hostage incident in Sweden. After six days of captivity in a bank, the hostages actually resisted rescue attempts. Months later, the victims still refused to testify against their captors at trial.

What causes this odd behavior?  It's a defense mechanism – small acts of kindness actually cause the hostages to become comfortable with their captors.  Rescue attempts soon become seen as a threat for fear the captives would be harmed in the process.  The behavior is considered a common survival strategy and has been seen in battered spouses, abused children, and POWs (for example).

When it comes to dealing with the captivity of our own sin, many people react with their own version of Stockholm Syndrome.  Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, wants to free us from the bondage of the slavery that keeps us in recurring sin; He wants to free us from being a willing prisoner to the very thing we hate about ourselves but just can't seem to escape.  Many of us actually choose to stay in bondage, clinging to the very things that are destroying us and keeping us captive; feeling secure in the familiarity of it and somehow finding a warped sense of comfort from it.  It's killing us but we just won't let go and we argue that the sin has a terrible grip on us, but in reality, we are our own jailers - we hold the key but we refuse to use it because it is more comfortable to stay right where we are.  The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus came to pay that ransom so we could be set free – forever! 

What about you? Are you holding on to the sins and habits that are keeping you captive?  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those things you need to be delivered from – Jesus is waiting for you to let go so He can rescue you and give you your inheritance of eternal life with Him.

Prayer
Lord, I recognize that I am holding on to some things in my life that are a sin against You.  Please help me to let go of those familiar spirits so that I can reach my full potential in You.  I need Your Holy Spirit to help me because I know that I tend to fall back into bad habits from time-to-time.  But with Your power and grace I know that I can be an overcomer and that I can live a victorious life in You.

Have a blessed day everyone!
– Richard