Slaves

I saw an interesting comment in a news article yesterday that I've been thinking about in different contexts. A woman wrote in to an article discussing our government. Her quote was:

"People aren't made slaves because of over-whelming power; they are made slaves because they trust someone else to take care of them."

Although I don't agree in every situation this is truthful statement, I do agree with her in the context of government providing for the basic needs of a totally capable individual. Same goes for the one who depends on parents to sustain them or those who feel life owes them something so they don't work for what they have, etc. It may seem like an easier road but what blessings and freedoms they are missing for not living life for themselves! Christ says in 1 Corinthians below: If you are able, break free!

Then taken in the context of scripture, to become a slave of Christ is to find freedom. Christ doesn't want us to be bound by the world or people or circumstances. He wants us to find our freedom in Him. To break the chains of bondage, whatever that might be in each individual's life, and grab hold of Christ's overwhelming power and trust Him to provide what we need. To be a slave in Christ is to experience divine emancipation! What freedom we can find only when we shed the chains of earthly bondage and become a slave of Christ!

1 Corinthians 7:21   

Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you--although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave.23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.  

Romans 1:1 MSG

I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God's words and acts. I write this letter to all the Christians in Rome, God's friends.

Titus 1:1 MSG

I, Paul, am God's slave and Christ's agent for promoting the faith among God's chosen people, getting out the accurate word on God and how to respond rightly to it.

Stand Firm

Gal 4:5-6 ...so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that they might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying, "Abba, Father!"

Because we are sons of the most high God, and have the privilege of crying out endearingly to Him, as a child would to his father. We can be provided with strength and utmost confidence in even the most intense times of doubt, pain, or confusion. Because of this hope, cry out to God to let truth resonate in us and give us strength. Why would we question such powerful message as the gospel? But at times we do, we doubt, we forget. Let us therefore be prepared for times like these so that our hearts will naturally cry out to God to help us stand firm when we are weak.

Reference: Eph 6:10 - 17

STAND FIRM! Remember the battle is not against people. Take a stance against: satan's efforts to produce distrust in God, disobedience, being wishy-washy and creating confusion about God's word, being fake, hindering service to God, bringing division, living hypocritically, being worldly, and anything that is contradictory to God's word and nature.

Gird loins with truth - sincerely committed and full of integrity. Tie up the loose spiritual ends that do cause confusion and doubt by searching God's word and standing on it.

Breastplate of righteousness - Pursue God's righteousness by living in obedience. This will protect your heart and vital organs against the guilt and wavering of disobedience. Strengthening and protecting against satan's attacks.

Shod feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace - You can't stand on something you don't know! Know the gospel so you can stand on it in times of struggle. Be ready to speak it and take it with you everywhere you go.

Shield of Faith - extinguishes the fiery arrows of satan. Remember who is shooting the arrows and trust God as our protector. Faith and trust quiets doubt & fear and chokes out the attacks so they don't destroy us.

Helmet of salvation - Hope of salvation. Even a blow to the head can be recovered from when we put our hope in the Lord. Stand firm in your salvation. A preacher, who has now passed, used to say "I've read the end, and we win!" We have victory already. Stand up and be victorious and remember the ending! Even in death we have the hope of heaven and seeing our Lord! This is the glory of our salvation, so live life fully and fight hard!

Sword of the spirit - Ultimate weapon, to be used defensively and offensively. Be prepared by it, strengthened by it, and use it effectively in battle times, growth times, quiet times, hard times, all the time!

Lord, protect us, strengthen us, and let us live our life vigorously and boldly, proclaiming and clinging to the hope we have in you!