What It Means to Be a Bondslave of Jesus Christ
- Amy Diane Ross
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
For weeks, I’ve been captivated by a single word in Titus 1:1. Not even the entire verse—just one word. Paul introduces himself as “a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,” and I couldn’t move past it. As I studied, prayed, and sat with this verse, God began stirring a deep reflection in my heart. What does it truly mean to be a bondslave of Jesus Christ? And more importantly, have we fully surrendered to that call?
The Depth of Bondslave: Doulos
Paul didn’t simply say he served God. He declared himself a bondslave (Greek: doulos). This word carries weight; it means being wholly owned, having no rights of your own, and willingly submitting your will to another’s.
Jesus modeled this perfectly in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed:
“Not my will, but Yours be done.”
We were purchased out of the slave market of sin and brought into the righteousness of Christ. This wasn’t forced servitude, it’s a willing surrender to the One who redeemed us. True freedom isn’t doing whatever we want; it’s joyfully living under His Lordship.
Counting the Cost of True Surrender
Jesus was clear: following Him costs everything. The road is narrow, and few find it. When Paul says he poured out his life like a drink offering, it confronts us with a question:
Have we truly died to ourselves?
In our Western culture, it’s easy to settle into comfort. We can become lukewarm without realizing it. Yet Scripture reminds us:
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
“Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness and eternal life.” Romans 6:22
Being a bondslave of Christ means laying down our ambitions, dreams, and rights. Our time, talent, and treasure are not ours to control; they belong to Him.
Faithful Stewardship of What We’ve Been Given
Jesus told a parable about talents, where each servant was entrusted with resources and called to multiply them for the master. The same is true for us:
Our salvation is a gift to be stewarded
Our family is a gift to be nurtured and discipled
Our spiritual gifts are meant to build up the Body of Christ
One day, we will stand before God and give an account for how we managed what He placed in our hands. Not for salvation that’s by grace alone but for faithfulness.
A Willing and Joyful Servant
Being a bondslave of Jesus isn’t oppressive; it’s the deepest freedom and joy. Even in seasons of exhaustion or sacrifice, there’s no greater privilege than serving the One who saved us.
Paul understood this when he said:
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8
This call to bond service means:
Daily surrendering our will to God’s
Joyfully using our gifts to serve others
Laying down self-centered pursuits for the sake of the Gospel
Living as a Faithful Servant Until He Returns
In Matthew 24, Jesus warns about servants who grow complacent, assuming the Master won’t return soon. They live for themselves instead of faithfully carrying out His work.
When Christ returns, may He find us as faithful servants fully poured out, obedient, and devoted to His mission.
Conclusion: Nothing Better Than Serving Jesus
Being a bondslave of Christ is more than a title, it’s an identity. It’s choosing, every day, to lay down our will and embrace His. There’s nothing in this world that can fulfill us like serving Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, strength, and resources. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Have I truly surrendered my life to Him, or have I placed Jesus on top of my own kingdom?
Sister, let’s not waste this precious gift of salvation. Let’s be willing servants, poured out for His glory, faithfully stewarding every moment until we see Him face to face.
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