A Slave
This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. Romans 1:1 NLT Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, Paul used the word "doulos" to describe his relationship to you. Doulos is translated to "slave, servant, bondservant." Although an adopted son into the family of God, Paul chose to make himself a slave. Dr. Steve Schell writes, "With these few words he tells us he has abandoned his rights and given over all control of his life in order to serve Jesus. He has fully surrendered himself—his self-protection, personal comfort, daily agenda, finances and more—to do everything in his power to spread the Gospel." This description of "doulos" shines a bright light on how much Paul willingly gave up to be set apart as an apostle for the Gospel. Moreover, it illuminates all that I value above the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can I fully surrender my self-protection? Dropping my fists ...