A Little Tough Talk Is Due

 Jesus didn't always say things easy to accept, his so-called hard sayings were controversial, roughed up some feathers, and caused many disciples to no longer walk with him, he was not a people pleaser neither did he tell the crowds what they wanted to hear or were itching to hear and they were not an easy pill to swallow.  For instance, many want to be the boss or Number One and are control freaks and think great people are only those in power.  They are not to lord it over the flock or throw their weight around indiscriminately.   But Jesus said the greatest is the servant of all!  Quite topsy-turvy to the conventional wisdom of the time.   Jesus came not to be served but to serve and he got down and dirty with mankind, especially in the "order of the towel" when he washed the disciple's feet and his fellow disciples and was not afraid to associate with anyone but meet their needs, especially in doing miracles or healing; it seems he was saying nothing is "beneath us." 

Some people naturally see the needs of other people in situations they just have a natural servant's heart when a need rises they want to do it. Other people are more like leaders, not because they want to lord over others or be the boss, but because they realize that good leadership is essential and lead by example.  They want to show the way and be trailblazers.  I mean to be scripturally versed and savvy and privy to the deep truths of the Word, able to teach what Jesus commanded--all his commands.   Jesus was loving with all in essence wanting us to assume the helm and to be in charge.  

Now there are only two offices to fill in the modern church: elder and deacon; nearly identical resumes are required but different job descriptions.  Deacons are a special breed of people who do not want to bring attention to themselves or are not self-seeking or self-ambitious but really want to help people out with their personal needs and to promote unity in the church in the bond of peace. The church elders or congregants do not look for a mechanic or plumber and appoint him because he could be very useful to those in need!   

They are caretakers and caregivers!  They want to do whatever they're called to do they do not have something that they think is beneath them.  Humility is a virtue necessary because power may go to one's head as well as being in the spotlight or on the church radar for it is widely known that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely; we must not let power, influence, or authority ever reside in one single person. 

Deacons must be tested first before being appointed they must be proved they are faithful and pious or godly and must be blameless--this does not mean they are perfect because perfect people need not apply to the church at all because the church is not a hotel for saints but a hospital for sinners.  Deacons must realize they are not self-appointed but are recognized by the church this is a point when they do what comes naturally to them and find themselves serving the church they will be recognized that they are good candidates.  

They do not go around advertising. campaigning, drawing attention to themselves, promoting themselves, or running for the job like a politician gaining favors or namedropping! All things are to be done with dignity and order.  This is most unbecoming and unwelcome. a dignified believer to be self-promoting. And this is not something you apply for officially; you don't particularly say that you want to be a deacon but you must prove yourself first that's what the testing is all about you must prove your worthiness and your adeptness to the priorities and responsibilities of the office. 

Now,  deacons and elders are not spiritual gifts they are offices in the church and you can be very gifted spiritually, intellectually, and even very talented and not an elder or deacon.  We must also recognize that deacons are not junior elders or elders in training it is not a stepping stone to being an elder this is very important because in some churches they want to test you first.   You don't earn your right to be an elder by being a deacon first. It is not by seniority! 

The church calls them to this office just like they call a pastor to preach to a church, it is a calling, and God's gifts and callings are not repented of--he doesn't regret it.  They must remain true and faithful to their heavenly calling.  God calls and God gives members gifting or spiritual gifts are not something that we are taken away or forfeited but our calling is something that we must be faithful to in the church some priests for instance are pastors have been defrocked due to immoral behavior this does happen some some some people can be excommunicated even if they are in office. 

This has happened because elders have the authority for church discipline, to serve, not govern the body of Christ.  The difference between elders and deacons is that deacons are called to serve, and elders are called to lead.  They are the practical ones in the body, handy people!   Elders are in a position of authority whereas deacons are in the position of servanthood. You must learn to be proactive as a deacon because you must see a need to fulfill it just like an entrepreneur sees a need fulfills it to become successful. Some people are just blind to needs this is basically the way they are they don't see it but deacons are looking always looking for opportunities to serve God. I think it's not just like a handyman or spiritual person that's practically useful, but there's a spiritual gift of helps.   He must be spiritually qualified  (godly, virtuous, and pious, and biblically knowledgeable (not just qualified vocationally. But deacons can  be considered "good to be around," and many have the gift of "helps." 

One thing we must notice between elders and deacons is that sometimes an elder may be called to do the work of a deacon if somebody rides or help them up financially this has been done they always get together and decide to build somebody out of a financial situation or something.   All spiritual gifts are like that even if we have one gift we do not prohibit ourselves or exclude ourselves from other gifts if we are called to do them or see the opportunity to do them. Do what God opens the door for you to do even if you don't think we have that gift. Deacons may be called to the service as a teacher but they do not have the office of teacher or pastor-teacher or officially recognizes teachers like the elders who teach well.  You can say elders make and interpret the rules but the deacons apply and follow them. 

Basically, the most important aspect of a deacon  (a man on a mission) is that he promotes the "unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" he knows the church's mission statement and he sees a vision for the church and he works together with the other body members or congregants toward that goal. I like the concept of the deacons as the face of the church they are the peaceful people who bring people together and are peacemakers that we call when we need help they're the ones that know the issues in the church they are in know lots of things but they cannot possibly meet the needs of all the people by themselves they are part of the solution. 

Deacons are those who serve behind the scenes in a support role has been said wisely have a special function towards all of the members. One thing of deacon may do is if he cannot meet and eat himself he may know someone else who he can recommend people deacons are to bring the body together to concerted effort to help people as a body and to work together as a unity as one body in Christ.  Deacons have a supportive role which means they do whatever they are called to do they are open to suggestions and willing to do whatever the elders or the church members ask them to do willingly.   Soli Deo Gloria! 

Becoming Motivated To Serve Christ...

 "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" (cf. Romans 11:35). 

"Who has given to me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine," (cf. Job 41 11, NLT). 

"He gave himself for us in order to rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions [zealous of good works]," (cf. Titus 2:14, CEB). 

Many are motivated to serve the Lord, but not according to knowledge (cf. Prov 19:2; Romans 10:2). There is the false motivation for selfish motives and misdirected and ignorant zeal. For example many have one of three psychological complexes that feed their ego:  guilt complexes that drive a need to make it up to God for some wrong done without repentance; martyr's complexes that makes one feel that the more he suffers for God, the better saint he is; and finally the messiah complex that makes one feel he's the answer and the church or God's kingdom cannot do without him.   

All religious systems are a works proposition that one merits or earns their way to heaven or eternal bliss, paradise, or nirvana; they do work out of obligation (they have to do them!).  But in Christ, it's different. we don't have to, but want to; it's not an "in order to," but a "therefore."  We are motivated by our love for Christ not to earn merit before God. We feel we can never repay God for His grace and deserve it in the first place; "For by the grace of God I am what I am," (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10).  

The only genuine motivation is out of heartfelt love for Christ, not that we can render anything to the Lord to make up for His blessing--that would be an insult to His grace for we can not do God any favors. The true motives come from a right attitude and it all starts with the right knowledge or doctrine, leading to right thinking or attitude, to the right action or deeds, which in turn lead to a right feeling about God and yourself--peace with God. 

We are to be in awe of God and that is the heart of worship which should never be dried out and spoiled by the world-system. This awe is inspiring us onto good works and love in action; after all, He owns us and love is the response and result of knowing God. We must acknowledge we cannot ever make it up to God: the definition of grace is that we cannot repay it, make it up, earn or deserve it, and cannot improve on it. We accept grace, period as eternal debtors of God. This grace is a life-changing event on us that should radicalize our behavior and transform or renew our thinking and attitudes. We are not called to become martyrs but to be living sacrifices--to live for Christ putting Him first--this motive of love in the heart is of the purest sort.  We can do more for Christ alive than dead; remember, Christ is the sacrifice, not us.  There are some who would die for a Christ they won't live for, likewise a church they won't attend. 

We are to live solely for God with His glory in mind, not to make ourselves a reputation or to a name for ourselves. We realize that there is room for improvement no matter how much we've progressed: We are works in progress and ask others to be patient with us because God isn't finished with us yet, and God promises to finish all He begins--the good work of sanctification (cf. Phil. 1:6). In other words, we are "bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God," (cf. Col. 1:10).  We are forever indebted to God and all God asks of us is us, to give of ourselves in unselfish living and sacrifice.  In sum, those who are highly motivated do so because of a knowledge of God's glory and are in a sense of awe or worship: "those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits."  (cf. Dan. 11:32).   Soli Deo Gloria!  

When No Man Can Work

"But I said, 'I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all.  Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God'" (Isa. 49:4, NIV).  "The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me..." (Psalm 138:8, ESV).  "I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4, ESV).

The night will come when labor ceases and no man can work (cf. John 9:4), and evaluation or judgment takes place, the reward according to our deeds.  Some people of great faith made good on it and produced labors worthy of their God-given faith, which was God's gift to them, not their gift to God, just like our righteousness is by grace.  We are all here for a purpose to fulfill and if the bugle doesn't give a distinct call, no one will be ready for battle (cf. 1 Cor. 14:8). The psalmist said that the LORD will fulfill His purpose for him (cf. Pss. 138:8; 57:2).  We are all here for a reason and we must find our calling to be fulfilled persons in the will of God.

The only happy people, according to Albert Schweitzer, are those who've learned to serve.  It is in serving that we find our mission; only those who've never ventured out of their comfort zones and tried to serve don't know of any spiritual gift or grace from God.  We must even serve if we don't think it's our gift and make ourselves available, for availability is the greatest ability.  God does indeed call us to faithfulness in what He does bestow and not to success, which is up to Him to make the seed grow and provide life.

Paul was aware that he must suffer many things for the sake of the cross.  The more God blesses us, the more is expected from us, for to whom much is given, much is required (cf. Luke 12:48).  Paul said, "The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me" (Acts 20:24, NCV).  It may seem that our work is in vain, but Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:58 that no work done in the name of the Lord is in vain.

Sometimes we don't comprehend the purpose of our efforts or the seeming fruitlessness, and it all seems in vain, as Isaiah said in Isa. 49:4 that his work seemed "useless."  This is merely a test of faith to see what our true motives and intentions are, just as God withdrew from Hezekiah to see what was on his heart (cf. 2 Chron. 32:21).  It has been proven that a person can endure nearly any trial if he sees purpose in it; Job was put on trial for no fault of his own and shows us the ultimate in patience in testing and the lesson that God is always just in the end and will reward us for the year the locust has eaten (cf. Joel 2:25) or make it up to us for the bad years with good ones (cf. Psalm 90:15.  We are never in a no-win situation with God and it always pays to trust in the Lord and lean not unto our own understanding (cf. Prov. 3:5).

The most rewarding epitaph we can have is "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"  To know that the Lord will be pleased with our labors and that we will be deemed good and faithful servants of what He entrusted us with is an intrinsic reward in itself.  True holiness, according to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, is doing the will of God with a smile!  We are formed to serve God and can only find fulfillment in doing that; a "non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms," according to Rick Warren.  When we leave to our reward let us be like Jesus, who said, "I have finished the work You have given me to do" (cf. John 17:4).

We were created to be servants and will only find fulfillment in finding service!  Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve (cf. Mark 10:45).  We don't serve to be noticed or to make a name for ourselves, but to bring glory to God and to do it in His name!   Many people are willing to serve, but for the wrong motive--we must be pure before God and do it by the power of the Spirit, as Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit."

We must be willing to keep a low profile and not draw attention to ourselves when the real glory belongs to God.  Some people are merely people-pleasers or work with eye service to gain the approbation of man, like to curry favoritism, but we must focus on the eternal goal and serve in light of eternity, where we will be rewarded--for some, their reward and portion is in this life (cf. Psa. 17:14).   See yourself as a special agent of God on special assignment or in the secret service!  Remember we are created unto good works and are expected to fulfill the mission assigned us faithfully, which was even foreordained for us and planned out by God (cf. Eph. 2:10).

The right mental attitude is one of excellence and of doing our best for the Lord, for there is a curse on one who does the Lord's work with slackness (cf. Jer. 48:10).   We ought to have the frame of mind to do our utmost for His Highest.  It's all right to have godly ambition, but "selfish ambition" is forbidden and worldly, not spiritual (cf. Jer. 45:5; Phil. 2:3).  In other words, do not "seek great things" for yourself, but look out for the Lord's interests and expect big things from Him as you attempt big things [plans or projects] for Him, as William Carey said.   Soli Deo Gloria!

The Way Up Is Down

"He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30, NASB).
"Humble yourself before the Lord and he will exalt you" (James 4:10, ESV).
NB:  A non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms, for Christ came to serve (cf. Mark 10:45).  
"... [T]he straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie" (John 1:27, NIV).

In God's economy, the way up is down, so to speak, because humility comes before honor; God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble (cf. 1 Pet. 5:5; James 4:6).  John was inclined to put this into action by demurring to baptize Jesus, saying he wasn't worthy to untie Jesus' sandals, and ultimately said, "He must become greater, I must become less" (John 3:30, NIV).  

Jesus humbled Himself ultimately to the point of death on a cross, but on the eve of the Passover celebration, the Seder, He took a towel to do some foot-washing--demonstrating that nothing should be beneath us if we have a servant's attitude and heart, i.e., menial chores. This can be called the order of the towel whereby we serve one another in the body, for there is no elite in the church but we are all members one of another and family. No one is indispensable in the sense of not being replaceable gift-wise in the body, and we are all necessary for the body to be healthy.

Jesus is the supreme exemplar of servanthood, for He emptied Himself (kenosis in Koine). He took on our infirmities and limitations as man and stood in the gap experiencing our pain in order to be able to sympathize and intercede for us as our High Priest in heaven.  We are exhorted to think of ourselves as Christ thought of Himself--to be of the same mind (cf. Phil. 2:5). Everyone wants to be Number One in the kingdom, but Jesus stated that the first shall be last (cf. Mark 9:35)!  

Greatness in God's economy is not measured by how many people serve you, but by how many you serve!  Real servanthood is when we forget ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (cf. Phil. 2:4, MSG), and make a difference in the world for the good. No one serves in obscurity, for God sees in secret and will reward us in time.

John Wesley's motto was an example to emulate:  "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."  Servants make themselves available and see open doors and opportunities to use whatever God has entrusted them to as stewards.  Don't ever say that you are a limited servant and cannot make yourself useful when there's a need: if you see a man in a ditch, pull him out--don't say you don't have the gift of "helps!"   Matt. 10:42 says that even offering a cup of cold water for the sake of the Name will not go unrewarded.  When we've done it to the least of His brethren, we've done it unto the Lord (cf. Matt. 25:40).

In God's economy, it's not how much we can exalt ourselves or play the fool, it's how low we can go, for the kingdom of God goes to the lowest bidders--we must realize our unworthiness.  "... He that humbles himself shall be exalted, "(cf. Matt 23:12).  We ought not to think of ourselves any more highly than we ought (cf. Rom. 12:3).  "Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited" (Rom. 12:16). 

Caveat:  Do not imitate Diotrephes (cf. 3 John), who loved to be first and lord it over the flock, but be examples of having the mindset of a servant, i.e., of Christ.   A final word to the wise:  He who humbles himself shall be exalted!      Soli Deo Gloria! 

The Order Of The Towel

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men"  (Phil. 2:5-7, NKJV, boldface added).

"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, NKJV, boldface added).

"Then you shall again discern
Between the righteous and the
wicked,
Between one who serves God
And one who does not serve
Him"  (Malachi 3:18, NKJV, boldface added).

When Jesus took up the towel in the Upper Room to wash the disciple's feet, they were taken aback at his servile act that set a new precedent, because Jesus was asking them to do likewise with each other--i.e., not to think that it's about you, and be willing to humble yourself in service one to another to meet their needs (foot-washing was considered the work of slaves, yet Jesus did it; how much more us!).  Jesus said that he who humbles himself like a child will be considered greatest in His kingdom. We must have the idea of John the Baptist, who said, "He must increase, but I must decrease."  The important thing to consider in service is that the way up is down in God's economy!  It is an honor to humble yourself and to esteem others more highly than yourself--some people are egotistical and all they think about is themselves; humility is not thinking less of yourself, or having low self-esteem, but not thinking of yourself at all!

Only Moses and Jesus were called humble or meek in the Bible, that's how rare true humility is--once we think we've got it, we lose it! Serving others takes a mindset like Jesus to see needs that you can fulfill and you are suited for--the hallmark of our testimony should be one of service and dedication to the needs of others.  They say:  See a need and fulfill it!  Who is the neighbor that the good Samaritan helped on the road to Jericho, but someone we meet in our path that we can help?  Mother Teresa of Calcutta said that true humility is doing the will of God with a smile. Albert Schweitzer said that only really happy people are those who've learned to serve others. Your Christian life begins once you enlist in His service and go to work as a servant.

True happiness is getting your eyes off of yourself, as it is said:  Look at the world and be distressed, look at yourself and be depressed, look at Jesus and be at rest!  Once you've experienced the love of Jesus, you want to pass it on!  They have this "pay it forward" tradition, where you pay for another person out of a random act of kindness--this is one way of reaching out to those in need and even changing life of a person who may be having a bad day.

True service must be voluntary and not mandatory or obligatory.  We are indebted to God with a debt we can never pay back and we should have the same godly attitude towards others--to be willing to oblige them; since it's better that they will owe a debt of gratitude to you, that they can't repay!  That's why Jesus said, "It's more blessed to give than to receive" in Acts 20:35.  We should be known as ministers of kindness to those in need to demonstrate the love of Jesus in us for the world to see--that's why we are lights in this dark world.

God will reward us for faithfulness (we are not necessarily called to success, which is His option) and never forget even giving a cup of cold water in Jesus' name will not lose its reward.  "For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do," (Heb. 6:10, ESV).  Remember, he who is faithful in little shall be faithful in much!  God sees and keeps track of our work done as vessels of honor in His name.  He rewards us for what He accomplishes through us (cf. Isa. 26:12).  "But you, take courage!  Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded,"  (2 Chronicles 15:7, ESV).  God is no man's debtor and will make sure that we are rewarded better than we deserve.

We have to live in light of eternity, because our reward may not be in this life:  "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,"  (Heb. 11:39, ESV). What is the faith that pleases God?  And without faith, it is impossible to please God.  We must "believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him,"  (Heb. 11:6, ESV).  What He's done for others, He will do for you, because He's still in the resurrection business and Jesus changes lives.  Remember what Jesus said to Thyatira, "I know your good deeds."

There are a few pointers in serving:  Our motive must be love out of a pure heart and not for self-aggrandizement; it must be done in faith believing God will reward you, whether man does or not; you must persevere and not give up, but remain faithful to what God has called you to do. Sometimes it may cost us something, but we should consider the cost before going on the journey.

The non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms and we all have a calling and will find it if we go on to know the Lord.  We are not slaves of our neighbor but have a servant's heart.  Slaves are owned by someone and servants just do service for others.  Jesus is our Master and we are His slaves and He has enlisted us in the service of each other.  We are to know the Scripture "that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work"  (2 Tim. 3:17, ESV).  We all have a testimony to protect and must not jeopardize it by not practicing what we preach:   "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works..."  (Titus 1:16, ESV).


The reward of our service is eternal and we don't want to lose out.  Our works will be tested for their eternal value, whether they are wood, hay, and stubble, or silver and gold.  Only the valuable metals will stand the heat of the fire's test.  It's true some believers may end up with no reward--for they never did anything in the Lord's name, but only for their own glory and fame, power, or fortune. The test of a man is how he responds to praise, and we are not to serve for the praise of man, but the approval of God, not as people-pleasers.

Caveat:  Believers must not become converted to the program instead of to Christ, becoming essentially mere do-gooders who put their faith in their deeds--that's why some will say, "...' Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'" (Matt. 7:22, NKJV). The smallest of good deeds done in the Lord's name will be rewarded if done in faith! God sees the motive of the heart, while a man looks upon the appearance. Jesus said that only he who does the will of His Father in heaven will enter the kingdom of heaven (cf. Matt. 7:21). Do we want the applause of man or the approbation of God?  I am not against good deeds; however, there's no lasting reward to deeds done in the power of the flesh. The Lord will say to some that they've had their reward.

What is the raison d'etre for service-orientation?  The true measure of a man's greatness is not how many people serve him, but how many people he serves.  We must realize that we are all but servants in God's eyes, and the best commendation we can hope for at the bema (which is the Judgment Seat of Christ) is this: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" Hence, it is a privilege just be used by God and we must realize that "[God] has [done] for us all our works" (Isa. 26:12, ESV).

Paul was not braggadocious, but he did say, "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me..." (Rom. 15:18, NIV).  Newsflash: God's economy is a service-oriented economy.  Get the right attitude:  As Jesus said, "...' Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me'" (Matt. 25:40, NKJV).  In sum, to attribute to someone a genuine servant's heart is probably the greatest of accolades.  Soli Deo Gloria!