Is slavery abolished?

Not if you are a Christian!  The Bible says, "Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.  Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave.  That is what the Son of Man has done; He came to serve, not to be served---and then to give away His life in exchange for many who are held hostage."  (Mark 10:43-45 Message Bible)

And don't wait to be asked.  If you see a need jump in and start serving.  Do you think a slave asked his Master if he needed help with something?  No!  He was constantly on alert...watching carefully to see what his master needed.

Recently we were carrying equipment and props into a church building.  (a common occurrence with us!)  Several young men (about 4 as I recall) were sitting just inside the door.  They asked if we needed help.  We said it was ok that we could do it.  I know I know...we should have said SURE...but we kind of thought it was obvious.  I am used to being a "roadie".  It's what we do.  We carry in, set up, perform, then tear down.

I am not saying we were not at fault.  Maybe we should have said we needed help.  I am just saying, don't even ask.  Just jump up and start helping.  I believe that after awhile you will begin to understand this verse more than you have ever understood it.

Being a slave or a servant, requires work.  It requires being uncomfortable.  It requires a bit of sweat and strain and inconvenience.  But, I believe  most of all that  it requires watchfulness...attentiveness...,and, especially...copying the Master, who has set the example.  Do you know of another Master of slaves who has ever set the example?  We have that kind of Master.  Let's follow Him!