If you were asked to serve God in obscurity for the rest of your life, would you? Sobering question isn't it? I can assure you that my first response was definitely NOT yes…. How can you just disappear from all that you love and lead a life of service without anyone knowing who you are? Would I even want to? Honestly, no, I would not want to. Not even a little bit.
This question brings us face to face with the depth of our commitment to serving God in all things and in the way that He is leading. I am pretty great at serving Him amongst the things that surround my life, in the roads I have chosen to travel, and in the comfort of my family and friends.
As I stand here and take a look in the mirror at my commitment, and my obedience, the reflection is not nearly as pretty as I would have liked to believe that it is. The reflection is marred with selfish desires, blurred with my plans, and scarred with the many imperfections I choose to allow to remain.
The voice rings out clearly….. "Remember the forgotten people"
The forgotten people? In todays age of technology and social media, you think there are forgotten people? As I take a hard look, actively searching, the "forgotten" are everywhere. They are the ones who serve quietly without recognition. That person who comes in when everyone is gone to clean the bathrooms of your office or church. Those who are different than our expectations but are over flowing with love for God and man. Those who minister without a single person knowing their name, their acts of service, nor their hearts commitment to carry out the calling of Christ through out every day in which they draw breath.
The way of the cross is caring for those who would otherwise be forgotten. It is our individual commitment to make sure that in our lives there are many tales of hidden service where we demote ourselves back to authenticity. These are the times when we make sure that we are walking where Jesus is walking.
This is where Jesus is found…. in hidden service…..
May my hands and feet be busy and no one know it…..
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
In the service of the King…...
"In the kingdom of God, you have to be great in order to be a servant." Doesn't make much sense now does it? After all, servanthood is what we start off with and move quickly away from. Just the first step on our climb up to greatness. Or is it?
Jesus says otherwise. Luke 22:24-26 "And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was the greatest. And He said to them, "...The one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant."
So often we start out with great determination to be a servant. And often we do serve ~ for a season. Then when we are no longer recognized, nor longer appreciated, it becomes work, when it becomes work, we stop. The greatest test of a servant is always how he responds when he is treated like one. We serve for the simple joy of being like Jesus and staying close to Him.
That is the truth found in a servants heart. Service for no other reason than the depth of relationship we discover with our blessed Savior when we join with Him in serving those around us.
If people are to see Jesus in our churches we need to increase the servants and not the programs/people/staff. Jesus is quickly lost among works but is always seen among the servants. Why? Because in service self glory is laid aside and the glory of God is picked up instead. Self love is pushed to the side and the love of the Father for others is shown forth without reservation.
I confess, I will never have money.... I find way to much joy in giving everything away. But wait.... don't applaud me....at the very same time I battle daily a desire for appreciation and recognition. It is why God allows me to stay in the shadows, for were I to step out of the shadows, I would be lost in self pride and tragically, would lose the ability to hear His precious voice as He whispers His love to me.
So know this my friends..... the riches found in service can never be found on this earth but lie in the heart of the Father.
Blessings to each of you during this season of celebration.
Jesus says otherwise. Luke 22:24-26 "And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was the greatest. And He said to them, "...The one who is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant."
So often we start out with great determination to be a servant. And often we do serve ~ for a season. Then when we are no longer recognized, nor longer appreciated, it becomes work, when it becomes work, we stop. The greatest test of a servant is always how he responds when he is treated like one. We serve for the simple joy of being like Jesus and staying close to Him.
That is the truth found in a servants heart. Service for no other reason than the depth of relationship we discover with our blessed Savior when we join with Him in serving those around us.
If people are to see Jesus in our churches we need to increase the servants and not the programs/people/staff. Jesus is quickly lost among works but is always seen among the servants. Why? Because in service self glory is laid aside and the glory of God is picked up instead. Self love is pushed to the side and the love of the Father for others is shown forth without reservation.
I confess, I will never have money.... I find way to much joy in giving everything away. But wait.... don't applaud me....at the very same time I battle daily a desire for appreciation and recognition. It is why God allows me to stay in the shadows, for were I to step out of the shadows, I would be lost in self pride and tragically, would lose the ability to hear His precious voice as He whispers His love to me.
So know this my friends..... the riches found in service can never be found on this earth but lie in the heart of the Father.
Blessings to each of you during this season of celebration.
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