December 31, 2020

The Call to Servanthood

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13, If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

Three New Testament writers opened their epistles in a similar way: “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus...” (Romans 1:1), “Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ...” (2 Peter 1:1), and “James, a bond-servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ...” (James 1:1). They viewed themselves as humble workers.

God calls each believer to a life of service. This should be an exciting prospect, but too many people get hung up on the belief that they cannot be as good as the apostles. A popular idea in the church is that the Lord’s servants are those doing full-time ministry but that everyone else is simply trying to live well. Nothing could be further from the truth. We all are servants with important kingdom work to do.

Some kingdom jobs look more important than others, but that’s only because we evaluate with human eyes. Every work that advances the gospel or serves a need is valuable. Not every person can be on a far-flung mission field, but we all can share the gospel with a neighbor. Some people can sing in the choir; others can give money to someone. God invites us to do His work in the world, whether the task is great or small—and we do it by serving our fellow man. What’s He calling you to do?

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