Paul, in the book of Romans, over and over reminds us that we were once slaves of sin – but now as God’s redeemed children we are slaves of God – slaves of righteousness.  I would venture to guess that none of us relish the idea of being a slave, period.
          I don’t have a historical bone in my body but if my memory serves me right slaves in the pre-civil war era were property, owned by the slave owner to be used for his own purposes. 
          By all appearances a slave did what he or she was told and because they valued their life and the lives of their family, they dared not offer an opinion or an alternative viewpoint or a better way to do something. They didn’t debate in their minds whether what was being asked of them made sense or if they should or should not do it. They were slaves, not co-workers. 
           When I consider what Paul says about my slave-status before God –
Romans 6:16 – “…slaves of one whom you obey, either of sin which leads to death or obedience which leads to righteousness”
Romans 6:17-18 “…you who were once slaves of sin…have become slaves of righteousness”
Romans 6:19 “…present your members as slaves of righteousness”
Romans 6:22 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God…”
          Slaves of God – ransomed, redeemed, and bought at a price – I am HIS.  I have been rescued from the auction block. The beauty of this slavery is that we were ransomed in love, purchased at an infinite price and our Owner is working all things together for OUR good and HIS glory.  This relationship is a blessing to ME.  I am NOT God’s co-worker or employee.  It is not majority rule or a democratic relationship.  I have the BLESSING of being a slave of righteousness, a slave of the ONE true LOVING God. 
          Lord, teach me today to follow and obey without delay, without reservation, without concern, for I know You desire to bless and keep me through it.  Thank you for being longsuffering with me.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the Development and Addiction Recovery teams at America’s Keswick.  In addition to being a Biblical Counselor, she is a Women’s speaker for retreats, conferences and events.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study. She has been married to her husband John over 28 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.