Many atheists consider Christianity a box which is used to stifle thought and will, a box which the church, and man, can use to control people, and I think we can admit that this has happened at times in the past. I would argue the opposite is actually true. If you accept the Word you will be set free from the box which men use to bind you with the chains of this world. Then, and only then, will you be truly free.
Some of the chains of this world are money, power, and status. There are more but these are probably the big three. If any of these three things is what drives you then you are caught in a box. This box is made by man to control you and to influence your thinking and your actions. But, if you are seeking something greater than worldly power or wealth your reward will be far greater than anything you can accomplish in this world, and it will set you free from man’s box.
We only need to contrast the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 with the rich man in Mark 10:21-22. This is what Paul says in Philippians:
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Paul was in prison when he wrote this, he had nothing. At least he had nothing earthy, he had Christ and that was all he needed.
Now we come to the rich man in Mark 10:21-22. This man asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life. At first the man was happy with what Jesus had told him because he had kept all the commandments, but then Jesus continued:
21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Jesus offered this man eternal life and he chose his worldly possessions instead. He chose the perishable over the imperishable because he was caught in man’s box and he could not break himself free.
Paul was content even while he was in chains because he was free in Christ, but the rich man found himself bound in the chains of his riches and he walked away sad. Paul accepted Christ while the rich man rejected Him, and which man was happier?
The rich man had everything he wanted in this world, but he did not have what he really needed, while on the other hand Paul had nothing in this world but he had what he really needed. Both men had a choice to make, and we all have that same choice as well. Which box will you chose?
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24 ESV)
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