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.