Perspective

 Perspective:

Paul's perspective--attitude toward--His relationship with God--daily, moment-by-moment--challenges me. In all his letters to the churches, he identifies himself as "a bond-slave" of Jesus Christ. Bond-slave. Nothing material or immaterial belonged to Him. They were all gifts from His Master. Money, time, assignments, friends, wisdom, strength, plans, trials, children, place of service, his future, times of rest--everything is my Masters provision for me. Daily prayers of gratitude are essential--"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus." Daily prayers of humility are essential. "Without You Lord, I can do nothing. I need You to provide the daily strength and wisdom to fulfill my responsibilities for all these marvelous gifts of love. To be ready to give an account.

Because Paul daily presented himself as a living sacrifice to God, he could testify that in the difficult times he found God's grace to be sufficient, even empowering. And when the end of his earthly responsibilities rose up before him, he could testify, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course." Paul embraced the truth that his present moments and his future moments were the Master's choices in his surrendering all as a bond-slave to Him--placing his confidence in His love and His wisdom and His provision.

Paul lovingly served His Master so the how and the why and the when were not an issue. His perfect, pleasing will for Paul's life could be reflected in Paul's confident acceptance of that will no matter what.

May I daily rejoice in the privilege of being the bond-slave of my Savior and Master. "Oh Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end. May His grace make it so.