I woke up this morning to a song that was lingering in my spirit. The song was sung by William McDowell. The video is attached below. As I listened to the song, a question came to mind. What does it mean for you to say your life is not your own?
Various imageries of this phrase come to mind. I would like to use two of what comes to mind to explain the phrase:
a. A servant
Modern-day slave abolition has seen to the end of ruthlessness that was done to people who were bought to serve their masters. Let me apologise if you or any family member was a victim of such incidents. In today’s age, there has been a level of right that has been accorded to those who are being paid to be of service.
When someone is a slave, then the person has no will of his or her own. It simply means whatever decision you make is at the mercy of the Master. Your dreams, aspirations, plans and your deeds are subject to the approval of your Lord. If he refuses, you are not in the position to carry on with what you have in mind.
Paul tells us this in his letter to the Corinthians:
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Although Paul knew he would be arrested as he gets to Jerusalem, he encouraged the elders in Ephesus that:
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Acts 20:24 (NIV)
Was he obliged to go to Jerusalem and be put in prison? Was he obliged to honour God with His body? His reason for dedicating his life was because He knew that He had been bought by God, and as such his life belongs to His master (Galatians 2:20).
b. An agreement
Whenever you have an agreement with someone, for example, a mortgage agreement, there are clearly stipulated guidelines and principles that must be followed. Upon agreeing to the terms of the agreements, you are liable to fulfil the terms of the agreement, any deviation from it constitutes a breach of contract and has its consequences to be faced. Some mortgage agreements can state that you do not own the house fully until your payment for the house is completed. Even though you are legally registered to the house, you can still be evicted if you fail to pay your mortgage.
Likewise, when you signed on to be saved by Christ, you signed an agreement that He should be your Lord. As such, you openly declared that your life is not your own but belongs to Him. As such you were open unto Him for His guidance and leadership over your life. So the prophet Jeremiah noted:
Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own;
it is not for them to direct their steps.
Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)
Going contrary to that agreement comes with its consequences. Life outside the will of God in Christ is a life of chaos and utter dissatisfaction. You have agreed to give your life to Christ, so your life is not yours.
God bless you and remain a blessing!
Prayer
Thank you Father for being a blessing to us today through your word. I thank you for your teaching today that my life is not my own, but it belongs to you. I pray that you will grant me the grace to continually die to self so that I can glorify you. This and many other blessings I ask in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen!
StandOut Ministry International
StandOut Ministry International 