SERVE + LOVE GOD + SERVE + LOVE OTHERS

Ptr. Ian Alix

 

 

In the gospel-centered ministry, we’re called to live for others. It’s a wonderful opportunity directing our life… a life that’s lived for others. An opportunity be like the Lord Jesus Christ. When He was here on earth, He met human needs-all kinds of needs even though He wasn’t always thanked or even appreciated. We live in a world filled with people who have incredible needs of all kinds and we can relate to these needs in one of several ways.

 

 

1. WE CAN BE BLIND TO THEM AND LIVE OUR OWN LIVES
This is what the exactly the priest and Levite did when they saw the battered Jew dying by the side of the road  (Luke 10:25-37). Both saw the needy man and “passed by on the other side” instead of stopping to show mercy. Granted, it is truly impossible for us to do something about every need that we see or hear about, but we must not never be thankful for a reason (or an excuse) to escape responsibility. We must guard that kind of attitude that leads to a hard heart. (Philippians 2:3-4) 

 

 

2. WE CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE NEEDS TO BENEFIT OURSELVES

Yes, it’s possible to be in the ministry and use people to get what we want instead of helping people to get what they need. The Pharisees, for example, used the common people to build their own authority instead of using their authority to build the people (Matthew 23:1-12). If we aren’t
careful, we can do the ministry in such a way that we exploit the needs of others to get ourselves recognition, position, titles, honors and privileges.
True servants of God help others whether they themselves get anything out of it or not. Their concern is that God be glorified and people trust Christ.

 

 

3. WE CAN PURSUE THE PATH OF GOD’S LOVE

In Christian service, a sensitive spirit and a tender heart are absolutely essential, but problem is we can easily become calloused. Our work for others becomes a routine, an obligation, and in worst case, a heavy burden. And we say “I need to do this because the church is counting on me”. Love for others is lost.

 

Remember how Paul define this kind of service? 1Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Yes again, we can’t do everything, but we can do something. And we must do it with God’s love. The people God calls us to serve have all kinds of needs – physical, emotional, relational, financial – but at the rock bottom, their greatest need is Jesus! who can ultimately fix their lives and restore that lost relationship. Now, that doesn’t mean the Word of God and prayer will
pay their bills or feed their empty stomachs. We don’t quote a Bible promise to hungry people, pray for them, smile, and say, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled” James 2:16. We do what we can to put food on their table. But unless we help people grow into a right relationship with God, whatever help we give will only be a “quick-fix” or a temporal solution. The human needs in our world today are indescribable, innumerable, and almost unbearable sometimes. Serving God means walking closely to these people around us and unless you really love these people, you can never help them. If the motivation of our service is less than Christ’s love – His love for us and our love for Him, our ministry will not really meet human needs or glorify God. The love we need for ministry is not a natural ability, it is supernatural quality! that only God can provide.
What we ought to do first is to pray for ourselves and ask God to increase our love.

Lastly, we must always remember, that we are the loving channels of the grace of God. The church is the body of Christ on
earth, and we ought to follow His steps (1Peter 2:21)
He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). And that must be our
attitude, sacrifice and service for the glory of God.

 

Excerpts from:
"On Being a Servant of God"
by Warren Wiersbe