Being a "servant" carries with it a negative impression--bondage, servitude, enslavement, burdens, etc. By definition, that's exactly what a servant is. But the context of today's verse sheds a totally different light on the word "servant." Actually, it is used in the context of a "gift."

This verse explains four "gifts" which are given to those who have new life in Christ:

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

• WE ARE FREE FROM SIN
  
• WE BECOME A SERVANT OF GOD
  
• WE ARE GIVEN FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS
  
• WE ARE GIVEN EVERLASTING LIFE
  

These are all benefits, including the privilege of being a servant.

We are designed to be servants, either to sin or to righteousness. There are no in-betweens. There is no other way. We either serve God or we serve sin.

The choice is ours as it was in Joshua's day: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve" (Joshua 24:15).

Choose God and you choose life! Being a servant then becomes a benefit, a privilege, and a blessing rather than a burden.

What is your choice?

Father, it is my choice to serve YOU above all else, not only for the benefits but simply because I love You! You have put in me a servant's heart which makes me glad to serve You! I don't count it a burden to serve you, as I am bonded together with You through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Thank you for freeing me from sin, allowing me the privilege of being Your servant, gifting me with fruits of holiness, and giving me everlasting life. Lord, for all this I cannot begin to thank You enough. Your blessings are truly without measure. Amen!

© Jan Ross
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