Definition: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Romans 6:16. It’s a really important and slightly complex idea, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s the core meaning: Think of it like this: You’re giving someone your time, effort, and maybe even your whole life – to obey them. And when you do that, you're actually becoming those people, in a way. Let’s unpack the parts: “Know ye not…” : This is a gentle reminder to someone who hasn’t fully grasped it yet. It’s asking for understanding. “…that to whom ye yield yourselves servants…” : This means you're letting someone else control your life, your actions, and your thoughts. You’re giving them permission to make decisions for you. It’s like handing over the reins of your own life. "...to obey..." : This is the key part. It’s about following someone else's rules or instructions. “his servants ye are…” : This is the surprising part! When you yield to someone else, you become their servants. You're no longer in control of your own choices and actions. "...to whom ye obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” : This is the consequence – it’s a choice. You can choose to follow someone who leads you down a path of wrong or bad behavior (sin), or you can choose to follow someone who guides you towards good and right (righteousness). So, what's the big takeaway? This verse is saying that when we let ourselves be controlled by others, we’re essentially becoming slaves to their ways. It's a warning against being passive and allowing anyone else to dictate our lives. The core message is about taking responsibility for your own life. It encourages us to: Choose wisely: Don't just blindly follow anyone. Focus on righteousness: Strive to live according to God’s will, which is about doing what’s right and good. Reject being controlled: Don’t let others control your thoughts, actions, or feelings. In a nutshell, the verse challenges us to be active participants in our own lives rather than merely reacting to someone else's commands. Do you want me to: Explain it further with an analogy? Discuss how this applies to specific situations?