The Attitude of a Bondservant
**This podcast is taken from our Global Video Report: EMPOWER CONNECT February 2024 Edition**
Living as Bondservants
Scripture: Various New Testament references to bondservants
JOY:
Welcome to The Unshakable Church, the podcast series that unpacks spiritual truths and lessons that Ron has learned from over 30 years of working alongside national church planters around the world.
RON:
Hello friends.
Today, I want to speak to you about a topic that has been very important in my life.
That topic is this:
Bondservants.
A Message That Has Stayed With Me
This is something I have been studying since I was a young man.
And today, I want to share some insights that apply directly to missions and to how believers are living around the world right now.
I’m going to approach this a little differently.
I’ll be reading from a teaching I wrote during COVID. It captured what we were seeing at the time, and I want to share it accurately.
A Season We Are Living In
I truly believe we are living in the last days.
We are seeing what Scripture describes as birth pangs.
Wars.
Instability.
Uncertainty.
All pointing toward the return of Christ.
So the question becomes:
How should believers live in a time like this?
A Golden Opportunity
As I spoke with leaders around the world, they all shared the same perspective.
This season has become a unique opportunity for believers.
An opportunity to show what a true follower of Christ looks like.
Scripture calls us to:
- Be living examples of the Gospel
- Bring hope to those who are lost
- Live transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit
Why Revival Is Growing
When I ask leaders why they are seeing such a strong outpouring of the Holy Spirit, their answer is consistent.
It is not just because of preaching.
It is because of how believers are living.
In the midst of pressure, suffering, and uncertainty, they are not responding with anger, bitterness, or fear.
Instead, they are displaying the fruit of the Spirit.
And people are noticing.
The Difference the World Sees
There is a clear contrast.
Between the general population and committed followers of Jesus.
And that difference is drawing people in.
This became especially visible during COVID.
But it has always been true.
It is simply more visible now.
What Is a Bondservant?
Let me define it clearly.
A bondservant is someone who belongs completely to another.
Their life, their purpose, their direction are all determined by their master.
Four Defining Characteristics
There are four key aspects of a bondservant:
First, they willingly give up their personal rights.
They place themselves fully under the authority of their master.
Second, they take on this role voluntarily.
Not for payment. Not for reward.
Third, they live with humility.
They accept whatever is asked of them without complaint.
Fourth, they are content.
They trust their master completely and are satisfied with whatever is given.
A Choice Made in Love
In ancient times, a servant could complete their term and go free.
But some would choose to stay.
They would say:
“I love you. I trust you. I want to serve you for life.”
And they would willingly become a bondservant.
This was not forced.
It was chosen.
Why This Matters Today
This is the picture we see in the New Testament.
Believers who identify themselves as bondservants of Christ.
People who have chosen to give their lives fully to Him.
Not partially.
Not temporarily.
But completely.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
And this is what I am seeing around the world today.
Believers who are:
- Living surrendered lives
- Walking in humility
- Displaying the character of Christ
- Remaining steady under pressure
They are not reacting like the world.
They are reflecting Christ.
A Call to Surrender
This is not just a teaching.
This is a call.
A call to lay down our rights.
To trust God fully.
To say:
“My life is not my own.”
A Final Encouragement
In a world that is unstable and uncertain, this kind of life stands out.
It draws people in.
It points them to Christ.
So I encourage you today:
Choose to live as a bondservant.
Fully surrendered.
Fully trusting.
Fully His.
