Success... or Service?

"For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." -- John 13:15-17

Ah yes, the success syndrome... we have been inoculated with this virus and it has taken its toll. God's children have been led down the yellow brick road of glory and prestige. From one season to the next; comfort, abundance, health and wealth dance like sugar plums in the heads of believers. Is this not their right and privilege as children of the King of Kings?

Yet, the King sets a very different example for his followers doesn't He? He reminds us that we are His servants, and a servant is never any greater than their master. If our master humbles Himself to fulfill the lowly task of foot washing, shall we resist the simple task of serving others?

What is your ministry my friend? But wait... what is "ministry"? One definition suggests a rushing about in the dust, caring for the needs of others, without any concern for self. Does this define your ministry? Are you seeking success... or service? What was the example that Jesus left us again?

~ PJVS

DESIGNED to LEAD...

"So, instead of looking at our frail humanity and complaining about our deficiencies, let’s joyfully accept our humanity with all its potential and ask God to help us make the most of it. David asked the Lord, “What are mere mortals that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Ps. 8:4). What are mere mortals? We are the precious objects of God’s love!

If the Lord has called you to be a leader, it’s because He knows you better than you know yourself, because He loves you, and because He planned it all before time began. Your genetic structure was designed by God so you could do the work He has called you to do (Ps. 139:13–16). 

Leaders are people—God’s people—God’s chosen people—chosen to do His will and His work, and to help others to do His work. His promise is, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)." - Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being a Leader for God

So, ride the wave of God's incredible call, being richly encouraged and empowered as you're carried in the love of Christ while you do His work and help others do the same! 

Standing Beneath the Cross...

David F. Wells wrote the following in his book "Losing Our Virtue"...

“It was the contention of the Protestant Reformers that Christian faith will always be misunderstood if the Cross is misunderstood. Or, to put the matter positively, those who understand the Cross aright, grasp the meaning of Christ aright and can then see the entire purpose of revelation clearly. For Christ and his Cross stand at the center of God's disclosure of his moral will and saving ways in Scripture. Indeed, without the Cross we are without the magnifying glass through which his love and holiness are most keenly seen. To stand beneath the Cross is to stand at the one place where the character of God burns brightest and where his resolution of the problem of sin is sounded for all time.” 

Paul the apostle wrote to the Ephesians  ...

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” 

~ Ephesians 2:14–16

Keep it simple my friend, but powerful, as you "stand beneath the Cross". Only there will we see the death of "hostility".

PJVS