17 August 2026
Paul begins his letter to Titus by identifying himself as “a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.” That identity came before everything else. Paul was not defined by his reputation, achievements, circumstances, or position. As Mark explained, “My will is not my own. I belong to Another.” That is the heart of Christian identity. Before we are employees, husbands, fathers, friends, or professionals, we belong to Christ. He is our Master.
The word slave may sound uncomfortable to us. Yet Paul did not use it as an insult. Mark reminded us that “To be a slave is a badge of authority, not shame.” Paul belonged completely to God. His Master defined his purpose and direction. The same is true for us. Romans 6:17–18 says, “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.” Christ did not simply free us from something. He freed us for something. We now belong to Him.
That truth matters when life becomes demanding. Your inbox fills up. Deadlines press in. Your children test your patience. Your marriage requires grace. The temptation is to let your circumstances define you and dictate your response. But Mark put it plainly: “Our fundamental identity is not found in our careers. Our family roles. Our social standing. Our fundamental identity is found in our Master.” When you know whom you belong to, you can face pressure without allowing pressure to become your master.
So begin your day there. Before opening your email or starting your work, take one quiet minute and remind yourself, “I belong to Christ.” Then identify one area where you are tempted to insist on your own way. Surrender it to Him. When your children see you frustrated or busy, let them see what submission to Christ looks like. You can even say, “I belong to Jesus, so I want to respond His way.” Mark reminded us, “We’re freed from the tyranny of sin to submit to the rule of Christ as His slaves.”
What competing identities are most likely to define you instead of your identity as someone who belongs to Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind me today that I belong to You. Help me submit my plans, pressures, and responses to Your good authority. Amen.