Why Every Christian Should PROUDLY Call Themselves a SLAVE (Not Just a Friend)

The "FORBIDDEN" Word That Changes Everything

In our culture, the word "slave" makes people uncomfortable. We've sanitized it, avoided it, replaced it with softer terms like "servant" or "bond-servant." But here's the shocking truth: The New Testament uses the Greek word "doulos" - which literally means SLAVE - over 120 times.

And the apostles? They were PROUD to call themselves slaves of Christ.

Paul boldly declared: "Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle..." (Romans 1:1)

James opened his letter: "James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ..." (James 1:1)

Peter identified himself: "Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ..." (2 Peter 1:1)

Jude proclaimed: "Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ..." (Jude 1:1)

These weren't casual terms. These men understood something we've forgotten: True freedom comes through complete surrender.

What It REALLY Means to Be Christ's Slave

A slave doesn't have their own agenda. A slave doesn't negotiate terms. A slave belongs completely to their master.

Jesus Himself explained this revolutionary concept: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other" (Matthew 6:24).

You cannot be partially Christ's. You're either His slave or you're not His at all.

The Character of Christ's Slaves: NO NAME-CALLING

Here's where rubber meets the road. Slaves don't call names. They don't insult. They don't lash out in anger.

Why? Because they represent their Master in everything they do.

"For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 'Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth'; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously." – 1 Peter 2:21-23

Christ, the perfect Master, never returned insult for insult. His slaves follow His example.

The Apostle Paul's Slave Mentality

Paul understood slave behavior better than anyone. Look at his instructions:

• Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
• Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
• Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

A slave of Christ doesn't have the luxury of "telling people off" or "giving them a piece of their mind." Every word must honor the Master.

The Slave's Response to Persecution

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." – Matthew 5:44

"Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." – Luke 6:28

Notice: Bless, don't curse. Pray, don't attack. Love, don't hate.

This isn't weakness - this is the supernatural strength that comes from belonging completely to Christ.

The Bottom Line

Being Christ's slave isn't about losing your identity - it's about finding your TRUE identity.

In a world full of people fighting for their "rights," Christ's slaves stand out by laying down their rights and taking up their cross.

No name-calling. No insults. No revenge.

Just perfect obedience to the perfect Master.

The question isn't whether you're good enough to be Christ's slave. The question is: Are you willing to surrender everything to become one?

Your Master is waiting. Will you answer His call?

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" – Matthew 11:29-30