Day 12-The Power of Your Yes
“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” — Romans 6:16 (NKJV)
Summary
Paul’s question cuts straight to the heart of consecration: whoever you repeatedly say “yes” to becomes your master. The idea of being a “slave” may sound harsh, but Paul uses this illustration to make something unmistakably clear—our daily choices are never neutral. If we present ourselves to sin, sin gains influence. If we present ourselves to obedience, righteousness gains influence. In other words, your daily presentation determines your daily direction. Consecration is the intentional, consistent choice to present yourself to the right Master.
Insight for Today
We often assume we are simply living our lives independently, making neutral choices as we go. But Paul tells us there is no such thing as neutrality. We are always moving in one direction or the other—toward life or death, freedom or bondage, righteousness or sin, clarity or confusion. Every choice becomes a “yes” to one kingdom or the other. This does not mean perfection is required; it means awareness and intentionality matter.
Going Deeper
Paul does not say sin forces itself on us. He says, “to whom you present yourselves.” This means we are not powerless, not trapped, and not victims of our appetites or our past. Every time we obey something, we strengthen its influence. When thoughts are presented to fear, fear grows. When coping is presented to food or dopamine, craving grows. When eyes are presented to comparison, insecurity grows. But when the heart is presented to God, righteousness grows. When habits are presented to obedience, holiness grows. Whatever you consistently obey becomes the voice that shapes you.
Sin Leads to Death, Obedience Leads to Righteousness
Paul simplifies human behavior into two streams. Sin always leads toward death—not just physical death, but the death of peace, joy, clarity, self-control, spiritual sensitivity, purpose, and relationships. Sin always subtracts, shrinks, and steals. Obedience, on the other hand, leads to righteousness. Obedience is not legalism; it is alignment. And alignment produces peace, clarity, spiritual authority, joy, growth, and freedom. Obedience is not heavy—it is liberating. It creates a clear pathway for God’s purpose to unfold in your life.
Consecration Reclaims Your Yes
Consecration is not merely turning away from sin; it is reclaiming your daily yes. It is a yes to purity, boundaries, prayer, Scripture, accountability, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness, love, truth, and purpose. When that yes is repeated day after day, it reshapes your entire life. You are not striving to be holy—you are presenting yourself to the One who produces holiness through obedience.
Pointing to Jesus
Jesus lived in perfect obedience to the Father, and through His obedience, righteousness, freedom, grace, and power over sin now flow to us. He broke sin’s dominion so that we could freely present ourselves to God. Our obedience does not earn righteousness; it expresses the righteousness already given to us in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, today I reclaim my yes. I present my mind, my desires, my emotions, and my decisions fully to You. Break the power of any pattern I have obeyed that does not align with You. Strengthen me to obey Your voice, follow Your ways, and walk in righteousness. Let my daily choices prepare me for Your purpose and every good work You have planned. Amen.
Reflection
Where is God asking you today to shift your “yes”—away from an old pattern and toward obedience? Is it a thought pattern, emotional reaction, habit, craving, coping mechanism, relational pattern, or the way you use your time and attention? Write it down and intentionally present that area to God today.
Continue the Journey
If you prefer a Kindle or printed copy of this devotional or would like a companion journal to reflect and take notes throughout these 31 days, you’ll find the links below.
To stay connected, you’re also invited to follow my Facebook author page or join my mailing list to receive daily blog posts and updates on new book releases—links are included below.
