We are Servants of God
By Dawn Tolbert
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness…” Titus 1:1
My mouth was dry as I struggled to find the perfect words. It was the first night of my graduate program in writing, and I’d come prepared to take notes and listen attentively. Instead, the professor instructed us to sum up our writing background and aspirations in a quick speech.
As I mentally pored over my professional experience, academic background, and writing practice, panic rose. I wanted to string together the perfect introduction to inform and impress my classmates.
Humility couldn’t have been further from my mind.
The words of first-century evangelist Paul stand in sharp contrast. He didn’t start his letter, from which today’s verse came, by listing credentials that would have made a great impression.
He certainly had plenty from which he could draw. He could have shared his devout background in the Jewish faith. He could have shared in detail how he was changed when he met Jesus. The once-persecutor of the church became a great preacher who taught others the life-changing truth about Christ. He could’ve shared all the churches he’d planted, lives God had used him to transform, and how many Christians he’d mentored.
Instead, Paul identified himself as “a slave of God.” Someone who has been bought at a price.
Paul realized the most important thing about him wasn’t his spiritual resume; it was his relationship to his Savior.
He shared the good news of Christ as one who had been changed. Rather than drawing attention to his credentials, he pointed to the glory of Jesus and the salvation He offers.
Today, I pray for the humility to always remember that my number one quality is my relationship with Jesus. May He always receive all glory and honor.
Dawn Tolbert, a contributing writer to Wholly Loved’s devotional project, is a Christ-follower who writes to honor God, thank Him for His goodness, and encourage readers by sharing her faith journey. She works in higher education public relations and is writing her first novel and her first book-length Bible study. She has earned a B.A. in Communication Studies and English (Gardner-Webb College), a M.A. in Professional Writing (Kennesaw State University), and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership (Union University). She and her husband, Larry, live in Cedartown, Georgia, and serve actively in their church. Dawn blogs at dawntolbert.com
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Originally published Thursday, 07 March 2024.
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