There is a temptation in the modern Christian church to think, "oh I have read this particular author and have taken this particular Bible study . . . thus I am more spiritual or deeper in the Lord." This indeed can become a false sense of spirituality. As I read Paul's writings as well as the Gospels, I do not see where this type of rationale is supported in Scripture. Quite the opposite, Jesus speaks a great deal about being "servants."
What is a servant, slave or bond servant?
Paul spoke of himself as a "servant," a word sometimes rendered as "bond servant" but frequently also as "slave" (Romans 1:1; Tit 1:1). Christians, especially ministers, are not hired servants but slaves committed to service to Jesus. A slave does not manage his own life. The person who calls himself a slave of Christ acknowledges that the Savior has power over him.(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
I like the last part of the above definition, "A slave does not manage his own life. The person who calls himself a slave of Christ acknowledges that the Savior has power over him."
Paul writes, that we have the "mind of Christ.: in 1 Corinthians 1:16, Amplified Bible.
~ For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.]
He writes again in Romans 12:1-2, Amplified Bible.
~ I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
~ Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
It's one thing to know where to find a Scripture passage but it's the opposite when the Holy Spirit gives us daily pop quizzes or major exams in living out these passages in daily practical ways. For example, when there are situations and/or crisis within our own personal families or extended families. Or it may be working through relationships that need mending and healing.
In our flesh, we cannot do what Scripture tells us to do, but in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His strength we can and we must (Philippians 4:13).
My heart's desire for us is to continue to have spiritual ears to hear, spiritual eyes to see, and teachable hearts to obey whatever the Holy Spirit reveals to us as we grow in Christ.
A side note, we often miss blessings because we just want to "hang with our friends and not venture out." Always remember there are folks who hurt and kind words go a long, long way. It's more than just smiling at the person or persons. It going out of our comfort zone and touching others in tangible ways. Ministry will take TIME and there will be a level of sacrifice. People are important not things. That which cost me nothing is not truly a sacrifice.
I've shared this a lot and will continue to share it throughout my life, "my late Mom taught me to never to forget the 'PT - Personal Touch.' Have I always been faithful to do so? No, I fall short so many times. However, it's very much a part of the fabric of my life, heart and mind. It's not a matter of being gifted this way, it's a deliberate choice to live what Paul writes about in Philippians 2 and Romans 12:10.
One of my own favorite expression that I say to folks who are hurting or needing encouragement, "I have 2 ears to hear, 2 arms to hugs, 2 hands to hold, 2 shoulders to cry on, 2 eyes to see, 2 legs to carry if need be but only one mouth to speak." So that means I will have to listen more than I speak. Oh dear ones, let this be said of us.
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