Good morning and happy March madness. I hope that you had a good week and that you have been participating in the 40 days of prayer. It is hard to believe that Easter is almost here. Have you decided who you are going to reach out to yet? We are praying that the Good Friday and Easter services are especially meaningful and that some might come to know Christ as Lord and Savior!
The other day I noticed Marlene carrying a bag of trash out of her office. Usually, one of us pastors/janitors empties her trash. On this occasion, she probably had extra trash and it needed taken out sooner. Of course, if she had asked, any one of us would have taken care of it for her. But, what is special is that she was quite willing to do it herself. Even though she no longer moves around as easily as Edwin, who is in his 20’s, she will do what she can when she sees that something needs to be done. Of course, she will hate it that I am using her as an example, and will likely toss my lifeless body in the dumpster behind the church next week. Nevertheless, her simple action reminded me of some things. On the negative side, over the last 20 years or so, I have actually known people that I am confident never took a bag of trash out or anything of the sort. I guess maybe they thought it was beneath them or “it wasn’t their job.” What they failed to realize is that everything we do or don’t do sets an example for those around us. Some may disagree with me, but I have thought for many years that if a person isn’t willing to do something like take out a simple bag of trash once in a while they shouldn’t be on staff at a church.
In reality, that goes beyond those that are on staff. In our positions as followers of Jesus Christ, are there things that are “not our jobs?” I remember a couple of people coming to visit me many years ago. They wanted to let me know that they were servants and willing to help out. This was good news to me because as the Executive Pastor of a large church, I always had a list of things that needed to be taken care of. I begin to share with them a couple of priority projects that I needed help on. Instead of being excited, there was a sense of hesitancy. Finally, one spoke up and said, “that’s not really our thing. Do you have anything else?” Well, of course I did so I continued down my list. Sadly, the answers were the same. Seeing that we really weren’t getting anyway, I asked them to continue praying about how God would have them serve. One did end up serving in one of the areas we discussed. The other never did serve anywhere to my knowledge.
All of this really brings up the question: what does it mean to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ? Clearly, God gives us spiritual gifts to use for His glory. The body of Christ on earth, also known as the church, is made up of believers that have different gifts so that it functions together. Nevertheless, does having a gift or gifts exclude you from the common or the ordinary tasks? Obviously, I don’t think so. Afterall, Jesus was willing to wash the feet of His disciples, lay hands on the sick, and feed the hungry. I think it is worth noting that the disciples picked up the leftovers after the feeding of the masses.
To keep things in perspective, here is a great passage from Philippians 2:
1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very natureGod,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very natureof a servant,
being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Hope to see you tomorrow!
From our neighborhoods to the nations,
Pastor Larry
0 Comments