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 believers in Rome, God’s friends. (Romans 1:1 The Message)
Fear Not…Then Stop Hiding What We Are
I once turned down a job at an investment firm, because I knew I needed a life outside of the office. “If you work for me,” my prospective boss uttered, “you live for me.”
I did not want to surrender that much.
But as Paul begins this letter, he surprisingly calls himself a slave. He does not water it down by calling himself a servant. (Despite what some translators claim) He does not attempt to make the gospel palatable by claiming that we get to be on His level. He does not paint his situation a bit brighter, to make it more appealing…
He says that he is a slave. A devoted, content, willing slave.
Being a Christian is not joining a club because you have desirable resources to share. Being a Christian is not linking arms with Jesus and pulling the weight into heaven. Being a Christian is not the result of seeing an excellent deal and grabbing it.
Being a Christian is acknowledging that without Christ, we are absolutely doomed. Being a Christian is completely surrendering ourselves to Jesus, because we have no other choice. Being a Christian is clinging desperately to HIS coattails, with our broken and bruised arms, with no strength, no energy, and no other hope.
Yet when we present our Christianity to the world, we sometimes paint it in a different light. We act like we think Jesus needs US. We speak like Jesus is glad to have us on HIS team. We think as if our adoption makes us just like Jesus, only shorter.
But we are slaves. Devoted slaves, content slaves, willing slaves.
Remembering and presenting that is one way that we can make our lives, our words, and our hearts Christ-focused. Because being a Christian is all about Him. It’s even in the name.
Fear not, then stop hiding what we are.