The Lord reveals that every human being is by nature a slave. We may think we're doing our own thing, but we're really doing someone else's. We don't have a choice about being slaves, but we can choose whose slaves we will be. We can choose "the slavery of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to justice" (Rm 6:16). If we refuse to choose, the devil will draft us into serving him, and, if we have not chosen Jesus, we are powerless to stop Satan (see Jn 15:5).
If we choose to be Jesus' slave (see Col 3:24), we will be exalted (see Mt 23:12). We will possess the most profound dignity a human being can have. At some point, Jesus will no longer call us slaves but friends, since He will have made known to us all that He heard from His Father (Jn 15:15).
The way to friendship with Jesus is through slavery to Him, for Jesus "emptied Himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men" (Phil 2:7). Therefore, realize that doing your own thing is a deception. Refuse to be Satan's slave. Joyfully choose to be Jesus' slave and, eventually, His friend.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of my mind (Rm 12:2). |
| PROMISE: | "The slave who knew his master's wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them will get a severe beating, whereas the one who did not know them and who nonetheless deserved to be flogged will get off with fewer stripes. When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted." –Lk 12:47-48 |
| PRAISE: | Theresa led her friend Georgia to her Best Friend, Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College