Earrings for men have moved in and out of fashion throughout the years. When they entered the scene close to twenty years ago, many people were shocked at the sight of seeing a man wear something typically only worn by a woman. As the years passed, even the churches came to ignore the little sparkle on a man's ear lobe. I guess we all get used to things after seeing them for a while.

I refrained from getting an earring for years simply because I didn't want one...until I learned more about them.

To understand the origin of men wearing earrings, we need to look back thousands of years in history. Originally, the only men who wore earrings were bond servants.

Doulos is a Greek word meaning bond servant. In the New Testament, it was not uncommon for a freed slave to voluntarily re-enter service to the master he loved. The voluntary servitude was called bond service. Only a freed slave could become a bond servant and once he had entered that service, he could never be freed again, nor could he be sold into slavery to another master. He was bound to one master until death.

The ceremony for entering bond service was as follows. The freed slave was taken to the front entrance of the house, and his right ear was pressed against the doorpost. A nail was driven through his ear and a golden earring was placed in it. The earring served as a symbol to all that this man was a servant by choice and could neither be bought or sold.

Many years ago, I heard a song by Kemper Crabb, entitled Doulos. It is a beautiful song, written in the first person of a bond servant, giving his ear to be pierced for a ring. It is a beautiful song of love and commitment, one I would recommend hearing.

Paul and Peter spoke of themselves as being bond-servants to Christ. It is interesting to note that bond service was/is a two way commitment. The freed slave chose to commit his live to the service of the master and the master committed himself to the bond servant, never to release or sell him. One person could not make the final decision. Both people had to agree.

Jesus has committed Himself to us. With His own blood, He paid our debt and freed us from the slavery of sin. We are free to serve whomever we choose. I choose Jesus, the one who loves me and gave Himself for me. He has made a commitment to care for me. I have made a commitment to serve only Him.

Years ago, as a small gesture to show my commitment, I got my ear pierced. It's a small thing between the Lord and I, but I know it matters to Him. Now you know why I have an earring.

Have you ever done something to show the Lord how much He means to you? A tangable display is not always necessary, but often appreciated.

Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.


- Rod
Copyright © 2004 Rod


Doulos (mp3)
by Kemper Crabb

You are my God and I am Your man
And I will worship You with the works of my hands
and the thoughts of my mind
and the love in my heart

If the world could know, if they could understand
that, ah, the exquisite touch of the Creator's hand
brings a blur to my eyes
but makes my vision clear

Ring, rainbow ring, encircles the throne
Fiery ring of love around Your own
A golden ring to show just where I stand
The ring that binds my heart into Your hand

And looking back across the years
I can see that You were constantly there
Constant creation, that's what I am
as You are making me into Your man

Here is my ear, drive through the nail
the world will know by the ring that I wear
that I am not for sale
for You are my God and I am Your man

Ring, rainbow ring encircles the throne
Fiery ring of love around Your own
A golden ring to show just where I stand
The ring that binds my heart into Your hand

For You are my God and I am Your man

• Topic: Testimony

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