Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus.
—Romans 1:1
When Paul wrote Romans, the first word he used to describe himself was “servant.” The Greek word for servant (doulos) is best translated “slave.”
For a Roman citizen—which Paul was—to call himself a slave would shock his Roman readers out of their sandals. But Paul wanted them to know from the get-go that he had forfeited his freedom; that he had signed ownership over to Christ; that he belonged to him in toto.
Commitment to Christ means renouncing all other masters—belonging to him one hundred percent. It means seeking his will, living it, and steering clear of all opposing attractions.
It means saying, and meaning, “(Your name), a slave of Christ Jesus.”
We are slaves to whomever or whatever controls us.