Bond-servant vs Slave

2 Peter 1:1

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:1

bond-servant:

• one who gives himself up wholly to another's will, 

• is used with the highest dignity in the NT, namely, of believers who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers

• are those whose agency God employs in executing his purposes: 

• properly, someone who belongs to another; a bond-slave, without any ownership rights of their own

Bond-servant vs Slave

Is there a difference between a bond-servant and a slave? 

I think the major difference is attitude. A bond-servant is one who WILLINGLY wants to serve another. It's a choice of actions and attitude to want to be under the authority and submission of another. 

When you think about it, we all are under the authority of someone. "Not me! I answer to NO ONE!" 

Well, you may think that, but that's not true. For each action and word spoken portrays exactly who you are serving. Your loyalty may be to a group, or individual, or a ideology. The point is that your actions, words, and attitude reflect who has influence over you. 

The difference between a bond-servant and a slave is attitude. A bond-servant wants to do exactly what is asked and required of him. The bond-servant is willing to give up his desires to do the will of another out of respect and love. 

What does God require? 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]? Micah 6:8 (AMP)

Bond-slave. 

gives himself up wholly to another's will, who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers. 

Willingly live under God's authority. 

Am I willing?