PHIL 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus

Every Christian knows that he is not his own but a slave of Jesus Christ, bought by His precious blood. It is not surprising that Paul considers himself a bond-servant, a slave. What is striking to me is that Paul boasts in this fact that he is a bond-slave of Christ.

Now we know that though boasting is usually sinful, there is a time to boast. Three Biblically appropriate contexts for boasting come to mind. In 1Cor.1:31 Paul says, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." And in 2Cor.10-13 Paul is constantly boasting in his apostolic credentials, though he keeps talking about how uncomfortable he is in doing it and how they forced him into it. The only other kind of boasting that is commended in Scripture (as far as I know) is boasting in weakness: "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2Cor.12:9)

Here in Phil.1:1 Paul seems to be boasting in the fact that he is a bond-slave of Christ Jesus. This seems to be partially boasting in his own weakness and partially boasting in the Lord. Or perhaps it is some kind of fourth category. But my point is this: being a Christian means more than merely being a slave of Christ, it means being proud to be a slave of Christ. It means relishing our bondage. It means delighting in our slavery. It means truly believing from the bottom of our hearts that there is no more exalted place that a man could be than to be a bond-slave to King Jesus. It means thinking that this is as good as it gets, that there is no higher calling or more wonderful honor. This is the kind of boasting that the Lord loves to hear. He loves it when His people come to realize how supremely privileged they are to be His servants. And He loves it when His people make it known to others how great an honor it is. It honors Him.

Lord, there is no job too low for me - if You command it, it is an honor. There is no higher place on this earth than at Your blessed feet. Forgive me for the ways I am influenced by the world and my own pride into thinking that I can improve on Your will and calling for me, that I can climb up from my exalted position in Christ. Help me to rest in Your will. Help me to cherish Your authority over me. Help me to savor the opportunity of doing Your bidding. Help me to live in such a way that my life is a good advertisement for my blessed Master, that others might want to serve You too.