Our Message Is About Saving Souls
“It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26-27 HCSB).
Sometime in the year 2009, my family and I attended a Sunday morning service at our previous Church. During this particular Sunday morning, our pastor invited a guest speaker, a very confident young brother in the Lord who appeared then to be in his late 20’s. From what I learned, this brother was a regular invited guest speaker at the Church. However, with his preaching that morning, he delivered a very good message (Romans 10:15) to the delight and encouragement of everyone present. However, his frequent references to his achievements and association with well-know ministers during his sermon equally discouraged me and others. Now to some of us though, it appeared as if he was trying to draw attention to himself and his work (Jeremiah 9:24).
Man’s Self-imposed Authority
Brethren, like many others we observed, such preachers overflow with confidence and with a boastful sense of authority. As we know, Moses walked fearfully and humbly before the Lord (Hebrews 12:21; Numbers 12:3; Deuteronomy 9:25) faithfully serving his people. The Lord requires His servants to be humble and not to elevate themselves before the people and when this same Moses and Aaron lost sight of God’s Holiness, they were punished and humbled (Numbers 20:10). We agree, the preaching of God’s word should be proclaimed boldly however, our fear and respect for God should allow for the ray of humility to be visible and shine forth (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:6-8).
About 15 years ago, when I was in hospital sharing an apartment with a few other patients, my attention was drawn to one particular patient who was very sick and he was frequently visited by the leadership of his Church. On one occasion, a leader who was sent to the patient came in the name and authority of the ‘chief apostle’ came to boldly pronounce healing and bless the patient in the words of the ‘chief apostle’, however a few days thereafter the patient died. What I learned from that was the following, the words of healing and blessing was from a heart of faith but it had no effect on the patient because the patient had faith in the authority and words of man.
Kindly allow me to repeat myself here, many Christians will readily believe the statements of faith of their pastor and priest (whatever they are called) but they have no faith to believe for themselves what the Lord says. Just yesterday, (18/02/2018) Charis highlighted a point saying, many people would believe when you said that you have prayed for them but when you tell them the Lord spoke to you, that triggers their doubts. Like we alluded elsewhere on this blog, the Lord said that not everyone would believe and accept our testimony but there will be those who would listen and believe our message.
The Distinguishing Marks Of A True Servant
Briefly, a true Christian servant is selfless, mindful of others and showing real concern and consistency for those he or she is serving in the name of the Lord (Luke 10:30-37). Let me add, many Christians today regard their serving of others as a burden so they give up and think them serving is a weakness. No! Serving is no weakness God Himself continue to serve even the ungrateful (Matthew 5:45). Brethren, we know it is impossible to compare ourselves to our Almighty Lord Jesus; however, the Scriptures encourage us to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2). First, a true servant of the Lord follows his teachings and abides by His word (Matthew 4:19; John 15:7). And of equal importance, a true Christian complaints to God if the burden of God’s work is too demanding (Numbers 11:14) for him or her instead of complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:14-15) such actions are seen as rebelliousness and God will met out punishment (Numbers 14:9-12). Furthermore, a true servant is driven by an unselfish spirit and inspired by love to see the good and well-being of others (2 Corinthians 8:9; 6:4-10). Also, a true servant does NOT stand back or make excuses not to serve nor does such a servant say NO to do God's work despite the challenges (1 Corinthians 9:16). Even God's Angels who are much powerful than humanity are obedient servants of God (Hebrews 1:14).
Finally, if we lack being a true servant we better repent and pray taking courage and putting on the apron of servant hood or humility and fulfil your Christian calling (1 Peter 5:5; Luke 12:37).
To accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, please begin by praying this
Blessed Peace,
Brother Glenn
