An Approved Servant of the Lord -Introduction to a New Series – (Larry Miles)
Larry Miles
What does it mean to be called “An Approved Servant of the Lord?” Christians are called “bond-servants” in the New Testament. A bond servant is one who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own. The Greek word “doulos” is used with the highest dignity in the New Testament – namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ’s authority as His devoted followers. Some examples are found in Titus 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, and in Jude 1:1.
The Christian who desires to be an “approved servant” of his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, will strive to be one who puts the Master’s will and teachings into practice in his own life. He or she will want to be as close to Jesus as possible, ever learning more about Him. One hymn writer wrote, “More About Jesus Would I Know…”
There are many things and many ways in which an “approved servant” of the Lord can be involved. These will always be done with the view of maturing in the Lord and helping others mature also. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:17 that the Scriptures were given “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” There is room in the Church of the Lord for all of us to use the talents the Lord has so abundantly bestowed upon us. Paul, writing in Ephesians 1:3, tells us our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus have “blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
So, let’s strive to use our talents to the glory of God. Let’s let our light shine so that our heavenly Father may be glorified (Matthew 5:14-16). In the next few articles I will be giving some examples of how you and I can be an “approved servant” of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Larry Miles worships at the Cherry Street Church of Christ in New Albany, IN,
and preaches part-time at the Mackville Church of Christ in Mackville, Kentucky.
