Happy Slaves?

Good
Morning,

Ephesians 6:6 –not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”


When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become His slaves. This doesn’t sound very enticing and often we downplay this truth, focusing more on being God’s friend, child, bride, sheep, etc. Though all of these pictures share glimpses of our place in God’s family, it is a very real truth that when we give our lives to God, we are committing ourselves to Him to do what He asks and to live the way He commands. No longer do we live to please ourselves or others.

All He asks us to do is not easy, but unlike human slave owners, God gives us the power to do what He asks. He also is very loving and understands our weaknesses and abilities. What He asks is for His glory, but also for our good. He created us and knows what is best for us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When we understand this, we desire to do His will out of love for Him.

Unfortunately it is easy for us to mistrust the One who loves us enough to die for us. We think that we can do things our way and be happier. Freedom sounds so compelling and often we go against His laws searching for what we think will make us happy. This doesn’t work. What we consider freedom becomes a different form of slavery to a different master, one that leads to much turmoil, pain, and suffering. Some believe freedom means only thinking about themselves – not having to consider anyone else’s needs but their own. Some may think that being able to do whatever they please will provide them the emancipation they desire. Though these things may give satisfaction for a short time in the end it will always end badly. If I decide that I am tired of brushing my teeth, over time my teeth will decay and I will end up with a lot of cavities or lose them altogether. If I do not want to exercise my body, I will lose muscle mass, gain weight, and eventually end up with many health problems.On a deeper level, disregarding the needs of others and only focusing on ourselves will break down relationships and bring much heartache. The emotional slavery of a broken heart is 100 times harder to bear than the difficulties encountered when seeking to sustain a right relationship with God.

When it comes right down to it, we are all slaves to something or someone. If a slave is a person entirely under the domination of some influence or person, then I would much rather submit myself to the One who has my best interest at heart. Wouldn’t you?

Love,

Mama