We strive to please. Even those who would say not true, to that comment, must admit they are wanting others to approve of them. We may walk and speak boldly that we are a slave to no one, but is that a true statement?
As toddlers, we begin talking and walking to the praise of our parents. We see them before us. On bended knees, arms stretched wide, they encourage us to take those first steps. We reach them and fall into their welcoming arms. Our ears first hear the praise for a job well done. From then on we strive to please, someone.
As we grow and go out into the world, there are more we try to please. Teachers, friends, employers, candidates for permanent relationships. We strive to hear, “Job well done!” Who of us can recall feeling that we have failed because of the words and actions of others? Maturity will bring many changes in our thinking. One of them is an understanding of who truly deserves our allegiance. Whose voice and opinion really matters? Who is our Master?
As a Christian we are called to become bond servants to the one, true, sovereign God. It is idolatry to place the favor of others before God. They are not gods, they are peers. They are like us. We should desire the favor of our God in heaven, above all others. “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” from the One who became a sacrifice, to redeem us from a sinful nature. That is the praise we should seek.
Of course, we want to live peacefully among our peers. We should desire to do well, whatever is entrusted to us. But ultimately, our goal, if we are going to be a slave to anyone, should be to our sovereign God, and Him only. We cannot be enslaved by what mere peers have to say about us. The enemy uses those opinions to take our peace. He also uses those opinions to seat pride in our lives. Listen to the opinion of the One who matters. He says you are redeemed from sin, you are beloved, you are a child of the King. Don’t let the world opinion drown out what God says about you.
The culture during the first century, clearly understood the message of the bond servant. Paul, Peter, Timothy, James and Jude, all referred to themselves as bond servants of Christ. We are called to be devoted to Christ. He is our only Master. He gave His life for that place in our life. He, in that role, has set us free from sin to serve Him, with the promise of eternal life. We are redeemed! Who else on this earth can give us that?
~Scripture For Today~
Galatians 1:10
10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:9
9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. (NASB)
Matthew 25:21
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! It is so easy to chase after the approval of others. Peers beside us. Forgive us when we forget who redeemed us from sin, who sacrificed His life for us. It is Jesus. Jesus redeemed us, and Jesus only, should we serve.We pray for the light of Christ to shine from within us as we mingle with the world. Whether in our homes, our workplaces or markets…let there be no doubt who our Master is. There is no greater challenge in this world, than to be known as a bond servant for Christ. Though there is the possibility of ridicule and persecution, let us be bold in naming our Master. As we think over our past actions, we pray for forgiveness and boldness to walk in the steps of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.