Cindy Powell

We want a memo, He wants to talk.

We want a right or wrong answer, He wants us to learn.

We want to follow specific instructions, He wants us to enjoy the process.

We want to get somewhere, but sometimes … sometimes He just wants to take a walk with us.

Does any of this sound familiar?

I doubt any of us would ever actually admit that we prefer being a slave over being God’s beloved child, but when it comes to our relationship with Him you might never know it from our actions! We say we’re sons and daughters, but often we act more like slaves trying desperately to get it all just right so we can please the “Master.”

Now before I go any further, I want to acknowledge the biblical concept of servanthood. Paul even called Himself a bondslave to Christ – one who willingly gave his life to the service of another. Jesus was the servant of all. He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. And He told us take up our cross and follow Him.

But being a servant is what we get to do–a sacred privilege, really–and not what we have to do to earn His love and approval. It’s so important to understand that distinction. I’m not addressing this topic from a place of obedience or sacrifice …

I’m addressing it from a place of identity.

So with that in mind, let me ask this question … How do you see yourself? Slave or son?

Just recently, I was talking to the Lord about some specific things. I had some questions and figured it would save a lot of time if He just told me which way to do certain things. I said, “C’mon Lord, it will make things a lot easier if you let me know how You want me to do this!”

But I got a surprising response. He reminded me that a Father isn’t just delighted when their child masters a new skill, part of the excitement is going on the journey with them and watching their skill and understanding develop and unfold. He told me to quit worrying about getting it all right and to just enjoy the process. Believe it or not, there isn’t always a right or wrong answer. And that’s where we need to understand that we are not just slaves or servants taking orders …. we are beloved sons and daughters and He wants to enjoy a living, breathing changing and growing relationship with us.

Consider this … if God just wanted servants who would do whatever He says, why did He create us? He has legions of angels who do exactly what He says!!! He created us in His own image for a much higher purpose. We are not just servants, not just slaves, we are co-heirs with Christ!

It is often those who are the most sincere in their desire to only do what He wants that have the hardest time with this concept. It was really hard for me personally when it seemed like He stopped giving me the “right” answers to things. Some years ago when He was first shifting this paradigm for me, instead of getting a sense of direction when I’d ask Him something, I’d hear Him say “What do you want to do” or “What do you think?” I didn’t like it!  I wanted to know what He wanted me to do!

What I discovered is this–sometimes all He wants me to do is let go of the fear of making a mistake. He wants me to trust Him.He wants me to trust He is walking with me and that He will ultimately lead me.

He’ll lead you too. But let it look how it looks. Let it unfold. Romans 8:15 says: The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

And this is what I hear your FATHER saying to you … He wants you to know how much you already know what He thinks. He wants you to know how much, in many ways,  you’ve even begun the think like Him. He wants you to know how much He trusts you. Maybe He wants you to know how much He enjoys walking with you, enjoying the process with you. He wants you to know how much He enjoys watching you learn and grow. He wants you to know how much He just loves to be with you. He doesn’t want you to just be a servant, and He certainly doesn’t want you to be a slave again to fear … He wants you to know that you are His beloved son, His  beloved daughter—a coheir with Christ—and that He will always be on the journey with you.

Slave or son?  I hope the choice is obvious.

It is to Him.

**********************

Here is the podcast link for this week’s devotion:  Monday Morning Musings – Slave or Son?

And the Sound Cloud Link: