Would you say that is an ugly word? Slavery likely brings to mind all sorts of disturbing images. There is a type of slavery rampant in our world that many never recognize. Jesus said, “Everyone that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin” (John 8:34). Sin enslaves. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and spiritual freedom is not possible by our own merit or strength (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thankfully, we can be delivered “out of the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13).
Jesus paid the price for our spiritual freedom (Acts 20:28). Paul wrote to Christians and said they had been “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). Before He asked us to be His slaves, Jesus Himself became one. He existed “in the form of God” and was “on an equality with God,” but came to earth “taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7). He was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus showed us by example the beauty of being a slave to the will of God (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:29). God is the only Master who cares completely for what is in our best interest.
It is possible for the term slavery to be used in a favorable sense. The Master of the universe (Colossians 1:15-17) can become our Master. We can change from being a servant of Satan to “bondservants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). Before one can be saved, he must be willing to confess “Jesus as Lord” (Romans 10:9). Newness of life is granted to those who “died to sin” (repent) and are “buried therefore with him through baptism” (Romans 6:2-4).
Unfortunately, many languish from divided allegiance. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Divided servitude is traceable to inadequate love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). If we love God supremely, we will bow our will to His. So Christianity is voluntary slavery – slavery to Christ. God desires for us to have Jesus Christ as “our only Master and Lord” (Jude 4). Knowingly or not, you are a slave. Who are you serving?
