"Servants, Saints, Sons" August 9 Readings: Job 29-30, Romans 1, Psalm 92:1–3, Proverbs 19:28–29

Today's Readings - Job 29-30, Romans 1, Psalm 92:1–3, Proverbs 19:28–29

Devotional 

Since Paul was not known to many of the Roman Christians, it was important that he establish his identity in writing this treatise. Apostle. Man of God. Leader of the church. Keeper of the mysteries of Christ. There were so many ways that he could have described himself. But he went in a totally different direction.

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus.

A slave. A common household servant - a position of humility, even humiliation that no Roman wanted to accept. The Romans viewed being a servant as intolerable and awful. But Paul embraced it. Serving Jesus was not humiliating, it was glory. He embraced the concept of devoting his life fully to the service of Jesus Christ.

But when it came to describing other believers, he focused on something completely different, in verse 7.

To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.  

When speaking of others, he emphasized their position in Christ, their high status. They were loved by God, adopted into the heavenly family and recipients of the glorious love of God. He also mentions that they are saints, made holy by the work of Christ, set apart for God.

The Roman Christians were also servants of God. Paul was loved by God and called as a saint. But when he spoke of himself, he focused on his own humble place in the economy of God. He is a lowly servant, the chief of sinners who has been redeemed and brought into the service of Jesus Christ. He chose to honor the Romans believers, emphasizing their exalted place in Christ. He humbled himself and honored his readers.

What a great lesson that is for all of us. Our normal, human tendency is to lift ourselves up and often to put others down in the process. He did the opposite. He imitated the humility of Christ during his earthly ministry, who came not to be served, but to serve others, to seek and to save the lost.

Father, may I imitate the humility of Paul who imitated the humility of Christ. May I honor others and serve them in Christ's name. 

Think and Pray

Do you seek the humility of Christ, and of Paul, or do you seek power, status, and authority? We are called to be like Christ (and like Paul who was like Christ!). Examine your heart and your life to see if you are living as a servant.