“You Were Bought with a Price, Do not Become Slaves of Men.”

“You Were Bought with a Price, Do not Become Slaves of Men.”

In verse 20 Paul writes, “Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.” This is the solution to the problem of how to create peace and rest in the ups and downs of life.

When you are aware of who has called you, and are alert to your calling, it is crucial for you to serve only Him who called you. However, God called more than just you and me. Paul also asks us to note that. 1 Cor. 1:26. “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” V. 31. Putting your trust in people and relying on them regardless of who they are, can have catastrophic consequences for you while you are in this world, and for all eternity! No one should glory in his own strength! Prov. 3:5.

Paul worked tirelessly with the ones who crossed his path in order to foster their trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 2 Thess. 2:16-17. No man can offer you eternal consolation!

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Gal. 1:10. Here we see how Paul worked conscientiously for the Galatians to have a relationship to Christ as His servants! Jesus Himself asks this question: “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” John 5:44. We can phrase this differently: “How can you be saved, who seek honor from one another?” Because salvation is by faith! Eph. 2:8-10; Luke 7:50.

The saints in Macedonia gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to Paul and his co-workers according to God’s will. 2 Cor. 8:5. If God is to give you His testimony, He does it on the condition that you first of all are surrendered to Him, and are serving people according to His will. Never let the will of people determine your ministry, whether it be in your home or in the church!

There is great strength and power in serving God! Eph. 6:10. Regardless of your circumstances, you must be watchful not to serve people, seeking their favor and praise! Let no one rob you of your reward! The only way in which to keep your reward is by holding fast to the head—Christ. In life’s situations, He is the only One from whom you can receive help. Only by obeying this help will you have fellowship with the other members in Christ’s body! Read Col. 2:15-23.

Paul writes further in Colossians 3:1: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” No human being is up there. No person can comfort you with the comfort that God can give you, He who knows your every circumstance and wants to do a work with you so you can be presented to Him without spot or wrinkle!

Of course, the fact that people can give you a good testimony is valuable. Prov. 22:1. But God’s testimony is immeasurably greater, because He testifies of His Son. 1 John 5:9-12. God pays attention to your hidden life, and He testifies in your heart about the eternal life you partake of through obedience to Christ, where no one except Christ can follow you and lead you!

When Christ has become your life, then you will appear with Him in glory! Col. 3:4. Therefore, let no one rob you of your reward, but rather be faithful to the truth in love in your situations, so that your growth is up to the head—Christ. He has apportioned you your area of activity in the body, and only He can strengthen you and give you wisdom for your ministry to be perfected unto the edification of Christ’s body. Eph. 4:11-16.