As summarized by Charlotte Carreon
The word “slave” has a negative connotation. Slaves are looked down upon as lowly, worthless crumbs-of-the-earth with no right to anything. Upon seeing the title of this article, I imagine some might be taken aback – Slave for Christ – What does that mean?
A slave is defined as someone completely bonded and obliged to follow ONE master. Doulos (or sundoulos) in Greek, the word slave denotes someone who gives a kind of service which is not a matter of choice for the one rendering it, performing their tasks whether they like it or not. A slave is totally and utterly dependent on his / her owner or master, as opposed to a servant – Who is duly paid a wage for work rendered and is able to quit. Slaves have no escape except when it is their master’s prerogative to let them go. Slaves live for one basic goal: To serve and please their master.
Now how does this apply to us Christians? Slaves have these basic characteristics:
First, slaves are subject to exclusive ownership since they are bought at a price. Doesn’t that soundfamiliar? When we accepted Jesus, we received the privilege of salvation through His sacrifice on the cross. We were bought at a price too and as such, we should embody all the characteristics of a slave having one master – Jesus Christ.
Second, slaves are completely, constantly availability and obedient. As Christians, we are called to follow God completely, constantly, and willingly – Every minute of every hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Third, slaves are subject to one alien will (not their own). It says in Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters” and rightfully so. Christians, being slaves to Christ, ought to know their True North, and anything that opposes their master’s will shouldn’t even be entertained at all. The master’s will holds superlative precedence over the believer’s affairs – No ifs, buts, or questions asked.
Fourth, slaves have complete dependence on their master for everything – Past, present, and future. Being slaves to Christ, we should learn how to cast all our cares on Him for He ought to be the only One who has control over us. He is God and His will alone stands. Nothing in this world would ever have come to be without His permission and this includes even the smallest details of our lives. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to learn how to let Him to take care of us for the rest of our days?
Lastly, all discipline and reward comes from that one master. As our loving Father who sees everything we do, God is more than happy to bless us abundantly as we obey Him. He is not a cruel master who will withhold good things from us. He delights in our willingness to obey Him and He will surely bless us for it. Similarly, He lovingly disciplines us when needed – Not to punish as oppressive human masters do on earth – But to remind us of the importance of knowing Him and regarding Him as the sole authority in our life. Obedience to Him is for our own good.
Indeed, we should consistently aspire to be slaves to Christ. It is a privilege to be owned by a Master who looks out for the good of his people. To serve Him, and Him alone, should be our life-long passion.
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