What does it mean to be a slave to Jesus Christ?

Expendable. Slave. Soldier.

These are not terms often used to describe the modern Christian. Perhaps a generation or two ago, in small country churches, you would’ve heard Onward Christian Solder every once and a while. However, of the churches in the West, these terms are not often used on Sundays and have since fallen out of favor with many, if not the extreme majority.

The believers in Iran and Afghanistan are of a different sort. They know well the commands of the Lord and are wise to obey them. For this reason, they love the Lord and are willing to die for his glory should they be called to it. They have progressed beyond converts and have since become disciples.

Being a slave for the gospel was, in many respects, the exact ideology of the apostles. After all, they died for the gospel's sake and the Lord’s name. Every single one of them gave their life, except for John the beloved, who was exiled to the isle of Patmos, where he finally saw the Lord in glory.

Paul uses the term slave often in his letters either to state our slavery to sin or righteousness or others that they may come to know Christ through our deeds. This mentality of slavery is entirely missing in the modern church, and we have suffered greatly because of it.

Due to a lack of this slave-like earnestness, or even a ferocity for righteousness, for the sake of the gospel and killing sin, I fear that many have believed a false gospel. It is a gospel that cannot and will not save their souls (Matthew 7:22; 1 Corinthians 9:27).

They believe that they can be saved without loving the Savior. They cannot. For we know that love is exemplified by obeying the Master’s commands.

The slaves who carouse with other slaves in drunkenness and debauchery, along with those who beat their fellow slaves, will be cast into the outer darkness with those who weep and gnash their teeth. The Lord gave several parables stating unequivocally that the slave who does not produce fruit will perish (Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 24:48-51). Therefore, the production of fruit through the spreading of the gospel should be our primary task if we desire to be saved when He comes in glory.

Those who do not have fruit at the end of their days will lose all they have to those who brought others to him. Therefore, to what extent have you declared your allegiance to the Lord?

Have you made yourself a slave for others (2 Corinthians 4:5)? Are you an expendable asset for the Lord and his glory? I dare say, knowing what could come of such a devotion, “Lord, make me expendable”. Lord, for your glory and your renown, make me a slave that I may win many (1 Corinthians 9:19).

The kingdom is for those who bear fruit (Matthew 7:19; Matthew 21:43; Luke 3:9). To what end do you labor? Is it unto salvation?

In this present age, we, as believers, have no room for our own pursuits. There is no time to labor for fruit that will burn. Therefore, fix your face like flint towards the coming day and lay down your aspirations for this life, pick up your cross, and live for the rewards found only in Christ Jesus. The day is quickly coming when no more seeds can be planted.

Do you consider yourself a slave? If not, perhaps you should start.

We are slaves, but we serve a good Master. Amen? Amen!

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.