ARE YOU A BONDSERVANT, SLAVE, OR SERVANT?

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ... (Romans 1:1)

Sometimes translations don't give us the whole meaning of an original text.  The whole meaning of the original text is important to the sincere student of the Bible.  Good Bible interpretation involves understanding what the text says in light of the time in which it was written, the intent of the author, and the choice of words to convey the message.  Today, we look at the word "bondservant."

The Holman Christian Standard Bible translates the Greek word doulos as "slave" rather than "bondservant" as in the NKJV.  However, a cultural study of the times in which this was written, there was a difference between a bondservant and a slave.  Both were owned by their master, but the slave served by compulsion, while the bondservant by choice. Therefore, the KJV translates the word "servant" to bring out the service aspect.  And a "servant" worked for, but was not "owned" by the master. The servant had time to himself, not in the service to his master. Which word best fits the text? I believe the best word is "bondservant" – if Paul's life was any indication about how connected we are to Jesus; and Jesus showed it in how connected He was to the Father in Heaven.

Now that we've covered the meaning of the word, let's get to the application.  Paul was declaring himself to be a willing servant-slave to Jesus Christ.  He made no bones about answering to Jesus for his actions, taking orders from Jesus, and seeking to honor Jesus for his character and nature.  And I can think of no one this side of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection who had more of an impact on the world's faith than Paul as he served the risen Savior, Jesus Christ. 


 
Paul seemed to hold nothing back from serving Jesus.  He "ate, slept, and thought" Jesus.  Soli Christo gloria, "Only Christ's Glory," seems to be his motto.  Paul may have once persecuted Christians, and even believed Jesus to be a fool and a dead one at that.  But after meeting the resurrected Jesus on the Road to Emmaus, Paul was convinced that Jesus really IS God and that He is alive and wants to communicate with us to instruct us in His aims for us in this life.

So, I ask myself today, "Are YOU a bondservant of Jesus Christ?  What might you be holding back from the Lord in your service to Him?"

The outcome of events often frustrate me when they aren't as I wish.  After muttering, sometimes not so quietly, about it, I breathe deep and accept them.  I hold back the deepest parts of me because I am afraid of the pain that change will bring (as it always does with hard-headed people like me who seem to only learn by hard knocks).  I hold back for the sake of dignity when I should be loving, caring, and giving.  I don't want to look the fool, weak, or wimpy.  My machismo comes flying out of me.  But that wasn't Jesus' way, and it isn't what He wants from me.

There are many other ways I hold back.  I want to be like Paul, but I'm more like Peter, who resolutely, boldly, and confidently told the Lord he would NEVER deny the Lord Jesus, only to do so three times before the cock crowed in the morning.  My own bold, resolute, confident service to the Lord is more often flawed in action than in intent!  Some bondservant I am when the choices are to be made!

And that is the rub.  It's one thing to CALL oneself a bondservant, but it is altogether different to BE one when choices are to be made.  Do I do this for MY convenience, protection, or understanding?  OR Do I do this because it is what Jesus wills - period?

Lord, may I be a better bondservant today than I was yesterday, because YOU deserve it.  You demonstrated true bondservice as you did ONLY the will of the Father.  You gave me Paul's record as an example.  How far short of your standard I fall.  How great is your grace and mercy that I should still be the center of your love, patience, and purpose as you make me into your image.  I can bask in your love, serve you with gratitude, and delight in your pleasure today.  I am your bondservant - and I will try to be a better one today.  For your glory, Amen!

And that's "Just A Thought" for today. May you be blessed in your walk with the Lord Jesus.