“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” (1 Corinthians 9:19 NIV)
Everyone is free. Everyone is a slave to someone. Following Christ means you’re a slave to everyone. But what does that mean, slave to Jesus?
Doulos is the Greek word for slave or bondservant used throughout the Bible. A more detailed definition is: one who gives himself up to another’s will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men; devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests.
Slave to Christ, Slave to all.
As you get to know Jesus, you will fall madly in love with Him. You can’t help yourself. His love for others makes you love Him. When you read the story of the adultress caught in the act, put yourself in her position. John tells us the story in chapter 8. Caught in bed with a man, she’s dragged naked through the streets to where Jesus is teaching in front of a large crowd. The law punishes this offense with stoning. People throw rocks at you until you are dead. The accusers want to see what Jesus will do in this situation. In one of my favorite moments in His ministry on earth, Jesus bends to the ground and begins writing in the dust. Slowly, one by one the people leave. Eventually it is just Jesus and the woman, whom He forgives and lets go.
Put yourself in her place. You are in bed with someone. Men drag you out of bed, through the house, into the street. Their destination, the local church where Jesus is. Their intent, to have you stoned to death. You have to stand in front of a huge crowd in all your glory as the men hash this out. Then you watch as Jesus bends to His knees and begins writing. You don’t know for sure what Jesus wrote, but you watch as one by one, people begin to leave. When everyone has left, Jesus rises to His feet, looks with love into your eyes and says:
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11 NIV)
How can you not love Jesus after that experience?
When you understand the depth of Jesus’s love for you, you want others to know it as well. Becoming a doulos to Christ is your ultimate desire because of the love He has for you. Loving like Jesus is the best way to tell others of His love for them. To love like Jesus, become a slave to everyone.
Question of the Day:
Who are you doulos too?
Further Reading: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39 NIV, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13 NIV, Psalm 34:1-10 NIV, Proverbs 21:13 NIV
