19^th April 2011

SEEDS FOR HARVESTING 6/13

Ephesians 6:6

"Like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart."

Here a "slave" means one who serves,
and is owned by a master
Paul reminds them to be obedient
even when they are not being watched.
In other words complete obedience.

There are two ways a slave could be obedient.
They had no option otherwise they could die
or their obedience could grows out of love.
Loving obedience did not count the cost
nor was a reward expected;
They acted out of love.

That is why the Word links "slave, Christ, God" and "heart" together.
Slave, in our history describes crudity, bitterness, pain and life shattering experiences.

But here the Word lifts it to a Godly level.
We can only be "like a slave to Christ"
by lovingly "doing the will of God."

Then loving obedience becomes
a heart-felt experience for us.
In heart-felt obedience to the Father
the cost of service for Jesus
became costless for Him.

God's love for us is so deep
that He expects nothing less in return
except we love Him in like manner.

Bob Imms 17.4.11