In the miserable days of American slavery, freedom was so precious. Some people were born, lived, and died as slaves, suffering inhumane cruelty, horrible living conditions, and evil prejudice. Some slaves worked a lifetime to earn enough money to finally buy their personal freedom from their masters.

Still, a few slaves were treated kindly and received their treasured freedom as a gift from their masters. And, because they had been treated with dignity and kindness, some of them chose to continue serving their masters, even though they were legally free. These volunteer slaves were often loved and respected as part of the master's household.

Today our spiritual freedom is so precious. We have received that treasured freedom as a glorious gift from our Lord and Master, who was Himself a servant. And, now, because we have been treated with such unmerited grace and mercy, we choose to serve Him out of gratitude and joy, even though we are free to do otherwise. We are volunteer slaves  loved and respected members of the Master's household.

We are slaves by choice, and it is that uncommon choice that draws people to our Master, whom they realize must be worth our choice.