Jesus said, “…Yet I am among you as the One who serves….” (Luke 22:27)  Sometimes people have this idea in their head that a person called to the ministry is called to be above other people. Jesus had a whole different take on leading, consistently equating himself to that of a “servant” for others.  

It was not in spite of His greatness but because of His greatness that Jesus served people in every opportunity that arose.

YES…He was called to be their spiritual leader, but never their superior. Paul said, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” (Philippians 4:12). 

Paul understood the teachings of Jesus on a level most do not attain. Did his job place him above others? No. His calling was to pour his life out (like a cup of Folger’s coffee) until the last drop for others. He became unconcerned with praise or blame. As long as there was one person who did not know Jesus, one person in need of food, one person that needed comfort, Paul would expend all that he had. 

The motivation and source of Paul’s service was found in two ares…a love for his Lord and a love for his people. If our self righteousness or ego ever lead our cause for humanity, we will find ourselves defeated, bitter, and broken-hearted. Yes, we may be confronted with a great deal of ingratitude from others…but if we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of discouragement will be able to sway us from our calling to serve people.

To those who have had no agony Jesus says, “I have nothing for you; stand on your own feet, square your own shoulders. I have come for the man who knows he has a bigger handful than he can cope with, who knows there are forces he cannot touch; I will do everything for him if he will let Me. Only let a man grant he needs it, and I will do it for him.” Oswald Chambers-The Shadow of an Agony, 1166 R

‘May the Lord smile on you
     and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor
     and give you his peace.’

I love you, and I know God will use us as we pour out His love on our communities.