Service required...

...from "servants" or from "Leaders"?

This passage is a very interesting and introspective one for this post...let's read it first:


²⁴ Now a dispute also arose among them as to which of them was regarded to be the greatest. ²⁵ Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles have absolute power and lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ ²⁶ But it is not to be this way with you; on the contrary, the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest [and least privileged], and the [one who is the] leader, like the servant. ²⁷ For who is the greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. (Luke 22:24-27 - AMP, italics mine)


Jesus was very clear on what He expected from His disciples  - long before they received the Gift of the Holy Spirit, before they were called "Apostles" and before they became leaders in their time. Jesus' expectation of His disciple - you and I - has not changed. So I find it very interesting that we like to be referred to by our gifts and expect those around us to "serve."


Before we go forward, let's take a step back to read what Paul and Peter said about our "Gifts":


Ephesians 4:11 - And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], (AMP)

1 Peter 4:10 - Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor]. (AMP, italics mine)

We have been given various gifts not for self-recognition rather for selfless service to God's people. This picture my friend and fellow Mrs Pastor sent to me puts it so well... God has given us various gifts and desires that we serve Him and serve others as His hand extended. His desire is that as our Master at the end of time He is able to say to us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:23 - AMP)

As we step into this New Year,  I want to encourage us to focus on "Serving our Gift" versus expecting others to "Serve us because of our gifts" - and I'm sure we will hear "Well done, good and faithful SERVANT" each day of the year. Happy New Year! Welcome to the Year of Service.