“And you have not received, again, a spirit of servitude in fear, but you have received the Spirit of the adoption of sons…” (Romans 8:15)
Hagar’s story is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible.
As Sarah’s servant, she was used as a means to solve a problem that was not her own. Sarah and Abraham made decisions on her behalf.
« She said to her husband: « Behold, the Lord has closed me, lest I give birth. Enter to my handmaid, so that perhaps I may receive sons of her at least. » And when he agreed to her supplication. »(Genesis 16:2)
Her body, her future, and her life were placed at the service of Abraham and Sarah’s interests.
When she became pregnant, tensions arose. The one who had been useful was eventually mistreated, rejected, and forced to flee into the wilderness.
“When Sarai afflicted her, she took flight.” (Genesis 16:6)
This story warns us about the spirit of servitude.
The spirit of servitude drives a person to live solely to satisfy the expectations of others, sometimes at the expense of their dignity, their peace, and even their relationship with God. A person under the influence of this spirit struggles to say NO, accepts the unacceptable, endures injustice in silence, and often ends up being used and then abandoned once their usefulness has come to an end.
In our society, some people approach others only for their own benefit.
They manipulate, exploit, control, and take advantage of the generosity, weakness, or trust of those around them.
As long as they get what they want, they remain present.
But once their goals have been achieved, they do not hesitate to turn away from those they have used.
Believers must remain vigilant. Kindness is not naivety. Love does not mean allowing yourself to be manipulated. Forgiveness does not mean continually exposing yourself to the abuse of others.
God calls us to serve, but never to become slaves to the selfish ambitions of men.
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to set the captives free.
In Christ, we are not objects to be used for someone else’s advantage. We are sons and daughters of God, created in His image, redeemed at a great price, and called to live in the freedom of the Spirit.
If certain relationships draw you away from God, destroy your peace, suppress your dignity, or constantly use you without respect or appreciation, ask the Lord for the wisdom to establish healthy boundaries. Do not be afraid to distance yourself from those who seek to control or exploit you.
Like Hagar in the wilderness, remember that God sees your suffering.
Where people see you as a mere instrument, God sees you as a precious person. Where people use you, God loves you. Where people reject you, God calls you by name.
Today, reject the spirit of servitude. Reject the fear of man. Refuse manipulation. Walk in the freedom God has given you, and remember that you have not received a spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of adoption.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, deliver me from every spirit of servitude and every form of manipulation.
Give me the wisdom to recognize those who seek to use me for their own interests.
Teach me to walk in the freedom, dignity, and identity You have given me in Jesus Christ. May Your Spirit guide and protect me each day. Amen.
Apostle Dr. Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA