This is a summary of chapter five of Kevin McGary’s book, Freed to Be Servant and Slave (available on Amazon).

The Call of the Master

Have you ever thought about the amazing invitation Jesus extends to us? It’s not just a casual “Hey, let’s hang out sometime.” No, it’s so much more! Jesus is calling us into a deep, meaningful relationship with Him. And the best part is that He promises to be there for us, no matter what. That’s some serious commitment

Defining ‘Servant’ and ‘Slave’ in Biblical Context

Now, let’s chat about some words that might make us a bit uncomfortable: servant and slave. In the Bible, these words have specific meanings that are pretty different from what we might think today.

A servant is a paid laborer who works for compensation, performing their duties with the expectation of receiving wages—a fair arrangement. In contrast, a slave is entirely devoted to their master, not seeking a paycheck but having given themselves fully to their master’s cause.

The Heart of Commitment: Servant vs. Slave

​Embracing Jesus with a servant’s heart often involves seeking salvation and eternal life, recognizing the profound gifts He offers. However, a deeper commitment, akin to a slave’s heart, emerges when one’s devotion to Jesus is driven solely by love and a desire to follow Him without any expectation of personal gain. This distinction highlights the transition from serving with anticipated rewards to wholehearted dedication rooted in unconditional love.

Misconceptions of Jesus’ Role in Daily Life

You know, it’s funny how we humans think sometimes. Some folks see Jesus as their ticket to heaven, but that’s about it. They don’t think about Him when they’re deciding what to have for lunch or how to handle a disagreement with a coworker.

But here’s the thing: Jesus wants to be part of our whole lives, not just our “spiritual” moments. He’s not just our Savior (though He is that!), but He’s also our Lord. That means He cares about every part of our lives and wants to guide us through it all.

Overcoming Human Sensibilities: Embracing Slavery to Christ

I know, I know. The word “slavery” probably makes you cringe. Me too! In our world, slavery has such an ugly history of abuse and oppression. But here’s where it gets cool: Jesus flips that whole idea on its head.

When we become “slaves” to Christ, we’re choosing to follow a Master who loves us more than we can imagine. He’s not forcing us into this relationship. He’s inviting us, and we get to choose whether we want to accept that invitation or not.

Freedom from Worldly Bondage through Christ’s Lordship

You might be thinking, “Wait a minute. How can being a slave make me free?” Great question! The truth is, we’re all slaves to something. The world tries to enslave us with its expectations, pressures, and “rules” about how we should live.

But Jesus offers something different. Remember what He said in Matthew 11:28-29? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

That’s true freedom, my friend. Freedom from the world’s crazy demands, and rest for our weary souls.

The Overlooked Emphasis on Jesus’ Lordship in Modern Christianity

Have you noticed how a lot of churches today focus mainly on Jesus as our Savior? Don’t get me wrong – that’s super important! But sometimes, we forget to talk about Jesus as our Lord.

When we accept Jesus as both our Savior and our Lord, that’s when we start to experience the fullness of what it means to be a Christian. It’s not just about getting our “ticket to heaven” punched. It’s about living every day with Jesus in charge, guiding our steps and transforming our hearts.

Cultural Infiltration and Its Impact on the Church

Okay, let’s get real for a minute. Our world today is full of messages that don’t line up with what Jesus teaches. And sometimes, those messages sneak into our churches too. They can cause arguments, water down our beliefs, and generally make a mess of things.

It’s so important for us to be aware of these influences. We need to be like those noble Bereans in Acts 17:11, who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” We’ve got to keep our eyes open and our hearts tuned to God’s truth.

The Path to Restoration: Upholding Truth through Jesus’ Lordship

So, how do we stay on track in this crazy world? By sticking close to Jesus! He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). When we fully embrace Jesus as both our Savior and our Lord, we’re tapping into the source of all truth.

This doesn’t mean life will suddenly become easy-peasy. But it does mean we’ll have the strength and wisdom we need to face whatever comes our way. And more than that, we’ll be living the life God designed for us – a life of purpose, love, and true freedom.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – Jesus (John 8:31-32)

So, what do you say? Are you ready to embrace Jesus not just as your Savior, but as the Lord of your life too? It’s a journey, for sure, but I promise you, it’s the most amazing journey you’ll ever take!