What does a servant look like? Is he dressed in a butler or maid's uniform, Is he white or black? Is a servant a male or female? What does a servant look like? I think it depends on the master of the servant.
Jesus is our Master. What does He want us to look like? Are our looks external or internal? Perhaps we should ask the question a different way. Does our internal appearance have a baring on our external appearance? What does a servant of Christ look like?
Matthew 5:3-12 gives a very good description of Christ's servant. These eight traits are not optional. They are somewhat like the fruit of the Spirit. We can't pick and choose what we want. Matthew 5 is not a buffet line.
Who are the poor in spirit? Are they the ones that see themselves as spiritually bankrupt? Their only source of strength and salvation is in Christ Jesus.
Who are those that mourn? Do they mourn for the simple losses of life? Or, do they mourn for our world that does not know Christ? Do they mourn for those who have known Christ and fallen away? Do they mourn for their own sinfulness?
Who are the gentle? Does gentleness mean weakness? Are these the folks that bring a soothing atmosphere to a heated condition?
Who are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness? Is their total focus to please God and do His will?
And what reward do those who exhibit these traits have? Is it present or future?
What do you look like as Christ's servant?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thnking Like a Servant Thinks
What happens when a new idea confronts your mind? Whenever we search God's Word, we are bombarded by new ideas. It does not matter how old or young we are, we can learn something new with every encounter of God in His Word. So, how does our mind respond?
In 2 Cor. 10:1-7, Paul discussed the importance of tearing down the fortresses that prevent our mind from comprehending the Word of God. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thought (10:5). Every thought that is contrary to Christ ought to be taken captive (10:6). Being a servant begins in the mind. It starts with right thinking. If we don't destroy the fortresses that enslave us, then we can't expect to grow in Christ.
How do you tear down old thinking? How do you guard your mind against the schemes of the devil? When do you find yourself most apt to think about the wrong things?
In 2 Cor. 10:1-7, Paul discussed the importance of tearing down the fortresses that prevent our mind from comprehending the Word of God. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thought (10:5). Every thought that is contrary to Christ ought to be taken captive (10:6). Being a servant begins in the mind. It starts with right thinking. If we don't destroy the fortresses that enslave us, then we can't expect to grow in Christ.
How do you tear down old thinking? How do you guard your mind against the schemes of the devil? When do you find yourself most apt to think about the wrong things?
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Servant As Forgiver and Forgetter
Forgiveness is a two-sided coin. If you offend someone, then you have a responsibility to seek forgiveness. If you have been offended, then you have a responsibility to grant forgiveness (Eph. 4:31, 32; Matt. 5:23, 24). If we are improving our serve, then seeking and granting forgiveness is a required action. It is not optional. It is a "must do." Servanthood is not complete without seeking or granting forgiveness.
Several things might happen if your seek forgiveness. Surprise, the person may grant that forgiveness immediately. Or, the person may need to take time to understand what you are doing and work through his/her emotions. What counts is that you have sought forgiveness. You tried to restore the relationship.
Taking this a step further may mean that the person decides to never forgive you. Still, you have fulfilled your responsibility before God to reconcile your differences. Move on. But wait, there is one more case. What if the person to whom you need to seek reconciliation has moved away, or died? Then find a confidant that you can be completely open with. Confess your sin. Seek God's forgiveness and move on.
Seeking forgiveness is difficult. Granting forgiveness is, often, just as difficult. Granting forgiveness may be very simple. You simply blow something off. It was not major. However, granting forgiveness may mean that we acknowledge our wounded heart. "You hurt me." "That really hurt, and it still hurts." Our actions may come before emotions. Act and then feel.
What do you think? Can you grow with God and still harbor grudges? Can the church that you attend grow if people hang on to the past? What do you need to do to make things right?
Several things might happen if your seek forgiveness. Surprise, the person may grant that forgiveness immediately. Or, the person may need to take time to understand what you are doing and work through his/her emotions. What counts is that you have sought forgiveness. You tried to restore the relationship.
Taking this a step further may mean that the person decides to never forgive you. Still, you have fulfilled your responsibility before God to reconcile your differences. Move on. But wait, there is one more case. What if the person to whom you need to seek reconciliation has moved away, or died? Then find a confidant that you can be completely open with. Confess your sin. Seek God's forgiveness and move on.
Seeking forgiveness is difficult. Granting forgiveness is, often, just as difficult. Granting forgiveness may be very simple. You simply blow something off. It was not major. However, granting forgiveness may mean that we acknowledge our wounded heart. "You hurt me." "That really hurt, and it still hurts." Our actions may come before emotions. Act and then feel.
What do you think? Can you grow with God and still harbor grudges? Can the church that you attend grow if people hang on to the past? What do you need to do to make things right?
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Servant As a Giver
Servanthood is all about giving. Whether I am serving others by giving time, giving, talents or giving treasures, my efforts are wrapped up in giving.
Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians in 2 Cor. 8:1-5 leaves us some important ideas. I like the way Swindoll puts it. We give anonymously, generously, voluntarily and personally. While Swindoll is absolutely correct, I believe that we also give sacrificially. The Macedonians that are used as a comparison in giving gave out of the deep poverty and affliction. They did not merely give off the top. There was no top with these folks. They gave of the substance and sustenance of life. They gave sacrificially.
So, how's your giving? How do you spend your time? I have to admit that N.C.I.S. takes way too much of my time. How do you use your talents? How do you give your treasures to be used in God's Kingdom? With strings attached? Begrudgingly? Stingily? Have you ven gone without so the Kingdom of God could flourish?
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Case for Unselfishness
Have you ever stopped to think about selfishness? Where did in come from? Were we born selfish? Did we learn this character trait?
Look back to Gen 3. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat of the tree of life. But Satan put doubts in Eve's mind. Notice the progression of her thoughts when she considered the temptation. She saw that the tree was good for food. Diversity of food is good. The tree was a delight to the eyes. The tree had value aesthetically. The tree was good to make one wise (Gen. 3:6). I'm sure Maslow's self-actualization came into play here.
In essence, Eve thought about one person -- herself. What was good and best for her? The seeds of selfishness were sown in the garden. Later, Eve and Adam would hide themselves from the face of God. Their reason -- they were naked (Gen. 3:10). Or, was the real reason the sin that had occurred in their lives. Just as they hid from God, we hide from God today.
Selfishness was born in the Garden of Eden. The sin is overcome only by the blood of Christ. As Christians, we are filled with the Spirit and given the power to overcome that sin.
Where do you see evidence of the ugly sin of selfishness raise its head in our American culture? How can we overcome the tendency to be selfish? Give some practical consideration to these two questions and see what you can come up with to help the rest of us.
Look back to Gen 3. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat of the tree of life. But Satan put doubts in Eve's mind. Notice the progression of her thoughts when she considered the temptation. She saw that the tree was good for food. Diversity of food is good. The tree was a delight to the eyes. The tree had value aesthetically. The tree was good to make one wise (Gen. 3:6). I'm sure Maslow's self-actualization came into play here.
In essence, Eve thought about one person -- herself. What was good and best for her? The seeds of selfishness were sown in the garden. Later, Eve and Adam would hide themselves from the face of God. Their reason -- they were naked (Gen. 3:10). Or, was the real reason the sin that had occurred in their lives. Just as they hid from God, we hide from God today.
Selfishness was born in the Garden of Eden. The sin is overcome only by the blood of Christ. As Christians, we are filled with the Spirit and given the power to overcome that sin.
Where do you see evidence of the ugly sin of selfishness raise its head in our American culture? How can we overcome the tendency to be selfish? Give some practical consideration to these two questions and see what you can come up with to help the rest of us.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Who You, A Servant?
Yes, you. You are a servant. If you wear the name of Christ, then you are a servant.
"But, wait," you say. "Servanthood is for someone else." You're a professor? Or, a doctor? Or, a manager? Or, you have lots of money? If you wear the name of Jesus, then you are a servant. Listen to the words of Paul. Gal 5:13 -- "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Chuck Swindoll said that a servant is characterized by transparent humanity, genuine humility and absolute honesty. We don't put up any front. We are transparent with people. Humility is marked by those who serve one another from the heart and by people that genuinely respect constructive criticism. Being a servant means that we speak the truth to one another in love.
While growing up I watched my elders. They preached and taught on Sunday morning and evening. They also helped sweep the floors, shingle the roof, dry the dishes, empty the garbage, and other lowly tasks that we like to leave for the janitor. They listened to us poor out our hearts, encouraged us in our dreams, and called us down when we became arrogant and proud. Not only do I want to lead like they lead, I want to serve like they serve.
What is it that keeps us from serving? Is it our pride? Are we too busy with our own lives to look out for the interests of others? Whatever the case may be, we must always follow the example of our Lord. He said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
"But, wait," you say. "Servanthood is for someone else." You're a professor? Or, a doctor? Or, a manager? Or, you have lots of money? If you wear the name of Jesus, then you are a servant. Listen to the words of Paul. Gal 5:13 -- "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Chuck Swindoll said that a servant is characterized by transparent humanity, genuine humility and absolute honesty. We don't put up any front. We are transparent with people. Humility is marked by those who serve one another from the heart and by people that genuinely respect constructive criticism. Being a servant means that we speak the truth to one another in love.
While growing up I watched my elders. They preached and taught on Sunday morning and evening. They also helped sweep the floors, shingle the roof, dry the dishes, empty the garbage, and other lowly tasks that we like to leave for the janitor. They listened to us poor out our hearts, encouraged us in our dreams, and called us down when we became arrogant and proud. Not only do I want to lead like they lead, I want to serve like they serve.
What is it that keeps us from serving? Is it our pride? Are we too busy with our own lives to look out for the interests of others? Whatever the case may be, we must always follow the example of our Lord. He said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
Monday, September 21, 2009
Standing Firm -- But Not Alone
Over the past seven weeks we've been discussing the importance of Standing Firm in a world shaken by turmoil. The repercussions of the world's turmoil often batter the church and us as individual Christians. Too often we try to face the world alone as individuals. We take on the John Wayne or Lone Ranger persona.
Hebrews 10:24, 25 gives us our final instruction in the Standing Firm series. "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." NASB
As thinking Christains how can we spur one another on to love and good deeds? The Hebrew writer answers from a negative then a positive position. He said, "don't stop meeting together as is the custom of some." By this time a pattern had been established in the early church to meet on the first day of the week in home assemblies (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Yet, some resisted that time of assembly. Perhaps they feared persecution. Perhaps others didn't feel as though they fit in. Or, just perhaps some felt that they could face the world on their own. They didn't need the fellowship or the teaching. How sad.
The Hebrew writer goes on to tell us to "encourage one another." Draw along side one another. Speak to one another. Give courage to one another in your speech and actions. We must stand firm, but we cannot stand firm alone.
What is it that keeps you in regular attendance at the assembly on Sunday? How do you encourage others to make the Sunday assembly a habit? Why is that Sunday assembly so important in your life?
God be with you,
George
Hebrews 10:24, 25 gives us our final instruction in the Standing Firm series. "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." NASB
As thinking Christains how can we spur one another on to love and good deeds? The Hebrew writer answers from a negative then a positive position. He said, "don't stop meeting together as is the custom of some." By this time a pattern had been established in the early church to meet on the first day of the week in home assemblies (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Yet, some resisted that time of assembly. Perhaps they feared persecution. Perhaps others didn't feel as though they fit in. Or, just perhaps some felt that they could face the world on their own. They didn't need the fellowship or the teaching. How sad.
The Hebrew writer goes on to tell us to "encourage one another." Draw along side one another. Speak to one another. Give courage to one another in your speech and actions. We must stand firm, but we cannot stand firm alone.
What is it that keeps you in regular attendance at the assembly on Sunday? How do you encourage others to make the Sunday assembly a habit? Why is that Sunday assembly so important in your life?
God be with you,
George
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