SERVICE
"Now you (collectively) are Christ's body and (individually) you are members of it, each part severally and distinct--each with his own place and function" (! Corinthians 12:27 AMP).
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that faith working through love comes to serve not be served (Matthew 20: 28). Unlike the corrupt society that Christ-followers live in, we are not to show partiality or strive for prominence and the accolades of men. We are not to think more highly of ourselves or pander to the rich and famous while neglecting the poor and afflicted among us. God has given to His people good gifts to benefit and profit His people. "His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering (serving) toward building ;up Christ's body (the church), [that it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith . . . that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood--" (completeness found in Christ). (See Ephesians 4: 12-13).
The disciples wanted to know which one of them would be greatest in the Kingdom of God. [Yes, they yearned for significance and greatness just like you and I do]. But Jesus corrected their fleshly thinking by instructing them in what God considered important--humility and obedience (Matthew 18: 1-4; 23: 8-11), as well as, faith; and, all in love.
Our Master has given us, His people, stewardship of his good gifts so that we "all alike have a mutual interest and care for one another" (1 Corinthians 12:25; see also Matthew 25: 45-46). How we live for Christ in a corrupt society is to serve Him and serve each other in love and honor. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord--that is, always being superior (excelling, doing more than enough) in the service of the Lord, knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile--never wasted or to no purpose" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Think about it.
"Now you (collectively) are Christ's body and (individually) you are members of it, each part severally and distinct--each with his own place and function" (! Corinthians 12:27 AMP).
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that faith working through love comes to serve not be served (Matthew 20: 28). Unlike the corrupt society that Christ-followers live in, we are not to show partiality or strive for prominence and the accolades of men. We are not to think more highly of ourselves or pander to the rich and famous while neglecting the poor and afflicted among us. God has given to His people good gifts to benefit and profit His people. "His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering (serving) toward building ;up Christ's body (the church), [that it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith . . . that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood--" (completeness found in Christ). (See Ephesians 4: 12-13).
The disciples wanted to know which one of them would be greatest in the Kingdom of God. [Yes, they yearned for significance and greatness just like you and I do]. But Jesus corrected their fleshly thinking by instructing them in what God considered important--humility and obedience (Matthew 18: 1-4; 23: 8-11), as well as, faith; and, all in love.
Our Master has given us, His people, stewardship of his good gifts so that we "all alike have a mutual interest and care for one another" (1 Corinthians 12:25; see also Matthew 25: 45-46). How we live for Christ in a corrupt society is to serve Him and serve each other in love and honor. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord--that is, always being superior (excelling, doing more than enough) in the service of the Lord, knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile--never wasted or to no purpose" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
