A Heart of True Service

by Yvette van Niekerk

Romans 1:1 (NASB) "Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle." In the tapestry of faith, the term "minister" weaves both noun and verb, denoting both person and action. It is not a mere claim, but a commitment lived out. In the pages of Scripture, we find the term "servant" painted vividly, sometimes depicting a galley slave, chained to the oar of a Roman vessel. Day and night, they rowed to the rhythm set by one another, anticipating their life's end bound to the oar. What a profound image! Paul entreats, "Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." (Romans 12:1, NLT) Paul's conviction was unwavering; he knew without a doubt what God had called him to be. When Paul referred to himself as a "bond servant," he painted a portrait of a servant who faithfully labored for his master for six years. In the seventh, the Mosaic law dictated that the servant be released. Yet, if, upon freedom, he returned and declared, "Master, I serve not out of obligation, but out of love for you," his master would lead him before a magistrate, and his ear would be pierced, signifying that he now belonged to him forever. (Exodus 21:6-7) There comes a moment when we must lift our gaze and declare, "LORD, I serve not because I must, but because I love You. Pierce my ear, mark me as Yours. Bind me to You, so I may never belong to another." Is this request too great, considering all that Jesus has done for us? Lord, strengthen my faith in times of doubt. Amen.