“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all that I might gain the more” (I Corinthians 9:19).

Free (Def): (Gr.): Eleutheros: Unrestrained, Exempt from obligation or liability, Liberty

To be free to be is the joy of living in this world. To be unrestrained, free to go where one desires to be, to be exempt from obligations or liabilities is to be at peace with one’s self and with one’s fellowman. To live with no debt or obligation to anyone is a satisfaction for the soul, and a delight to the mind.

Such it was for the Apostle Paul, a citizen of Rome until his conversion came and his heart was changed. “Though I be free from all men” was his condition and station in life, “yet have I made myself servant unto all” was his new heart and mind in Christ Jesus, his Lord.

Jesus said, “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

There is a mystery to be unveiled, a paradox from which to learn, an oxymoron to understand as we live in Christ, in the Spirit as freemen in the Kingdom of God. The Apostle never lost his freedom, yet chose to live otherwise, as a servant to all. A servant without debt or obligation, yet free to be an Apostle and servant of the Lord.

There is a reward for such a lifestyle, the winning of souls, the transformation of spirits and hearts to the image of Christ, and the advance of the Kingdom of God.

“My Brethren, dearly Beloved and longed for, my joy and crown; stand fast in the Lord, my dearly Beloved” (Philippians 4:1).

“For what is my hope, my joy, my crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming” (I Thessalonians 2:19).

There is a gain, there is a reward, there is a satisfaction, a rejoicing for the “servant of all”, for the one Free to be the called of God, the Chosen of God, the “servant of the Lord” (cf. Titus 1:1).

The free man and the servant are one in the Lord:

“For he that is called in the Lord being a servant is the Lord’s free man; likewise he that is called being free is Christ’s servant” (I Corinthians 7:39).

It is a gloriious blessing to be free to be free from the dominion of sin.

“Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18).

“Now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22).

“For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).

Free to be what God created us to be in Christ is the crowning achievement of the Cross, the work of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God our Father. Live free, be free to be all God intended for you in His Son.

“Stand fast, therefore in the Liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

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