Bondservants Part 2
00:00:00 – Introduction to the concept of a bondservant
00:06:00 – A bondservant trusts the Master to meet all needs
00:08:00 – A bondservant does not complain about injustice
00:11:00 – A bondservant welcomes correction and discipline
00:14:00 – A bondservant lives without long-term personal agendas
00:17:00 – A bondservant bears the mark of ownership by Christ
00:20:00 – Why the bondservant mindset is difficult in Western culture
Welcome to Asked and Answered, the podcast series that addresses all your missions-related questions. With me in the studio today are Ron and Charis.
JOY: Welcome back, guys.
RON: Hi Joy.
CHARIS: Hi Joy.
JOY: So today, I have a question for you, Ron, about bondservants. I know we’ve done a podcast on this in the past, but I’m wondering if you can give us more insight into what a bondservant really is — or just share what’s been on your heart.
RON: One day I was thinking about the bondservant issue, and I started to ask the Lord to show me — through all the contacts I have overseas, from different cultures and time periods — what defines a bondservant. I came up with six characteristics. I was surprised. I’m not usually clever enough to come up with this kind of list, but I think these are quite good.
Their sole goal is to obey the commands of the Master. In Genesis, at the Tower of Babel, the people said, “Let’s make a name for ourselves.” That desire for recognition — that’s what a bondservant rejects.
When we go to places where the Church is growing rapidly, we meet pastors, evangelists, and church planters who are practically invisible. They don’t want the spotlight. They’re humble. Many of them lower their heads while speaking, trying not to draw attention. It reminds me of how Roman Empire slaves were nameless — just numbers. The bondservant has no ambition to build an empire or stand on a platform. They want Jesus to be seen, not themselves.
CHARIS: You often have to pull their stories out of them. They’re almost afraid to sound like they’re bragging.
RON: Exactly. The Western approach often asks, “How do I fit into this story?” But the national believers say, “How do I take myself out of this story?” I’ve seen many of them deflect credit to “that brother over there” or “this other person” — they just don’t want to be noticed.
Philippians 4:19 says, “My God will supply all your needs.” Bondservants trust the Master for their food, clothes, shelter — and see luxuries as gifts of love, not entitlements.
Overseas, our partners often say, “We have enough food. We have shelter. We’re grateful.” They don’t focus on what they lack. That contentment — that’s the bondservant attitude.
Romans 12:19 says, “Never avenge yourselves; leave it to the wrath of God.” Bondservants don’t fight back or hold grudges.
I remember one man in India. He was wrongfully accused, imprisoned, and beaten. But he wasn’t bitter. He said, “I know this is part of being a Christian. Jesus was misjudged, and I’m following in His footsteps.”
CHARIS: So many of our partners react like that. They just take it and move on.
RON: Meanwhile, we in the West often think our value and reputation are tied to what people say about us. But our identity is in Jesus.
00:11:00 – #4: A Bondservant Accepts Correction and Discipline
Proverbs 15:32 says, “The one who heeds correction gains understanding.” Overseas, our partners welcome correction. They see it as guidance, not punishment.
God may give them a little swat to steer them back — and they’re thankful for it. They don’t take offense or call their union rep. They see it as the Master lovingly keeping them on the right path.
CHARIS: That’s a tough one for us. We pray for guidance, but when discipline comes, we see it as failure.
RON: Exactly. But overseas, they acknowledge they’re not perfect and embrace correction as part of growth.
They live moment-by-moment, responding instantly to the Master’s direction.
Isaiah 6:8 says, “Here I am, send me.” Bondservants are ready. No arguing. No debating. Just obedience.
CHARIS: That’s really hard for planners. We want to know what’s coming.
RON: Yes. And when our well-organized plans fall apart, we feel crushed. But a bondservant says, “That didn’t work? Then I’ll move on.” No resentment — just readiness for the next command.
Roman slaves were branded. Today, cattle still are. In the same way, bondservants of Jesus carry an invisible mark of ownership.
Revelation 9:4 says God’s people are marked on their foreheads. The Antichrist has his mark — but God marks His own too. Our behavior, our choices, our lives should clearly show who we belong to.
CHARIS: That reminds me of those old bracelets — WWJD. It’s not just what would Jesus do, but what would Jesus be like?
RON: Yes. That is the identifying mark of the bondservant. It’s who we are and how we live.
This is a difficult teaching in the West. Over in other parts of the world, these traits are obvious and respected. But here, we resist the idea of servitude. We want freedom, autonomy, identity. It feels offensive to submit like this.
There are whole organizations fighting against slavery. And rightly so, when we’re talking about injustice. But spiritually, we’re called to willingly become bondservants of Christ. It requires a total shift in mindset.
CHARIS: It’s a hard word, but one that matters deeply. At Empower Ministries, one of our core values is to lose our identity in Christ.
JOY: Thank you, Ron. I think this will be hard for many listeners to hear — and even harder to apply — but it’s needed.
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