Matthew 20:28:” Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Many of God’s children do not want to serve, or that in the beginning they were diligently serving and were brave to receive various ministries but as time passes by, they let go of their ministries one by one. Some say, “I’m too tired to serve the Lord,” or “I don’t have the time to serve the Lord” or “I don’t have the burden to serve.” How could this happen? The answer is that many Christians do not understand the meaning of serving. There many who do not serve the Lord but do serve the work of the Lord.
What is the difference between serving the Lord and serving the work of the Lord? The difference is the focus of our heart. Serving the Lord focuses on what the Lord wants us to do; and ultimately, the purpose is to please His heart. Serving the work of the Lord means finishing off the list of ministries and the purpose is to please ourselves or those who appoint us; in other words, pleasing the heart of others. Serving the Lord produces the fruits of the Spirit, while serving the work of the Lord produces fatigue. Serving the Lord does not expect appreciation while serving the work of the Lord expects acknowledgment and recognition. There are many people who serve the work of the Lord instead of serving the Lord Himself; it is no wonder that many people stop serving when they are faced with challenges, disappointments or when they feel unappreciated.
When Jesus was in this world, He did not come to be served but to serve. Because Jesus understood the meaning of serving, no matter what challenges He faced, He continue to move forward and fulfilled the Father’s will for His life, which was to die on the cross to redeem the sins of this world.
How do we see ourselves before the Lord? Are we aware that our position are servants of God? We are all in debt with the Lord. The redemption of sin on the cross is the grace we will never be able to repay.
“We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” Luke 17:10B, don’t we need these words in our hearts every time we are given the chance to serve the Lord? We must also realize that the opportunity to serve is the grace of God. The Lord can choose just about anyone, but He still chose us to serve Him.
If we understand the meaning of ministry, then we would not see it as a burden but an opportunity and grace. Let us continue to serve the Lord with fear and trembling until we meet face to face with the King whom we serve. God bless.
hs/Publishing Team, IBC Church