TO WHOM I BELONG AND SERVE

In Acts 27 we find the apostle Paul on a ship being transported to Rome. While on this trip a great tempest arose and began to batter the ship severely. After telling the crew they could have averted the loss they were suffering if they had listened to him (vs. 21), he encourages them by telling them that an angel of God told him their lives would be spared (vs. 23). In the midst of all this, Paul makes an interesting statement regarding his relationship with God when he says, “to whom I belong and whom I serve” (vs. 22). Paul recognized his life was no longer his own, but that it belonged to the Lord. In addition, since his life was no longer his, he dedicated himself to the service of the Lord.

What about us? Are we of the same mindset? We must remember that when we obey the gospel our lives are no longer ours, but belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That being the case, our lives should be committed to serving the Lord. As Jesus told Satan, our worship and service must be directed toward God and no other (Luke 4:8). Just as Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me,” the same should be true of us as well. Jesus gave His life for us, redeeming us and purifying us as “His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Therefore, may our focus be on faithfully belonging to and serving God, fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith that, like Paul, we will one day receive the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8).