{S}lave

Slave:  A person entirely under the domination of some influence or person.

Romans 6:20-22: When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

When I initially read this parallel of slavery applicable to our life with Christ, I admit, I was a little caught of guard.  While I have no problem seeing myself as a servant of God, I do have a problem with seeing myself a slave to sin. 

See, I never thought of myself as a slave to sin. When it asks, "What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?"  I just shook my head. 

Not a Thing!

Pain. 

Heartache. 

Hopelessness. 

Void. 

Brokenness. 

Loneliness. 

Continuing on, "Those things result in death!"  Little did I know, they certainly did! There was no life producing element seeded in my life of betrayal and going through the motions. 

BUT

Now that I have been set free from sin, I am now a slave of God.  God is my Master.  I serve my Creator.  And the benefits.... Ohh the benefits. 

Holiness.

Eternal Life.

This text was a moment of reflection for me, a time to evaluate where I am, what I am doing, and whom/what I am serving.  In all things, I want to serve righteousness.

Matthew 6:24 says "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other..."  In each day, maximize each opportunity to display to whom you are devoted.

In His Love,

F....