Being A Servant

Suppose you were transposed in time and place back to the city of Jerusalem during the first century.  Suppose you were given the opportunity of spending 30 days with the Lord.  Suppose that afterward a reporter from the Jerusalem Gazette conducted an interview with you.  Some of his questions might be, “Where did you go?  What did you do?  What did you see?  What happened during those 30 days?  Of all the things you have done, experienced, or observed, what one fact or idea stands out foremost in your mind concerning Jesus?”  What would you say?  Would you tell how impressed you were with the compassion of Jesus?  Would you relate how wise Jesus was?  Would you share how that Jesus knew what to say and how to say it?  Would you point out how relevant and meaningful the teachings of Jesus were?  All of these and much more would certainly be appropriate perceptions regarding the Lord.

However, there is a quality that makes Jesus unique among men.  He was a servant!  Seven hundred years prior to his virgin birth it was prophesied that Jesus would be the suffering servant (Isa. 53).  He left the riches of heaven for the poverty of earth (Phil. 2:5-7).  Human wisdom would have dictated that he be born in a major metropolis by rich and well-educated parents, but he was born of little known parents in a stable and laid in a feeding trough for animals.  His entire life was lived as a servant.  Near the end Jesus laid aside his garments, took a towel and washed the feet of his disciples (Jn. 13:3-11).  If you had everything in your hands, would you take a towel and wash feet?  James and John typified man when they requested positions of prominence in Jesus’ kingdom (Mk. 10:35-37).  Jesus turned the concept of greatness upside down when he said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you, shall be your servant."  “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:28).  Are you a servant?

A true servant of Jesus is not quarrelsome (2 Tim. 2:24).  He seeks to be where Jesus would be and to do what Jesus would do (Jn. 12:26).  It might necessitate a change in reading or viewing habits.  It might require a change in language or the content of one’s conversation, but a true servant is willing to make the changes.  A genuine servant realizes that he owns nothing in this world (1 Tim. 6:7), but is owned by God who paid the purchase price for him (1 Cor. 6:20).  A true servant does not seek a title, but an opportunity.

Edwin Markham tells the story of a cobbler named Conrad.  One night the cobbler dreamed that the next day Christ would visit his shop.  The next morning he decorated his shop with green boughs so it would be an appropriate place to receive such a guest.  He waited all morning and the only thing that happened was that an old man shuffled up asking to rest.  Seeing that his shoes were worn through, Conrad put on the old man the sturdiest pair of shoes he had in the shop before sending him on his way.  He waited through the afternoon but the only thing that happened was that an old woman carrying a heavy load of firewood came by, weary, and out of compassion, Conrad took her in and gave her some food he had prepared for Christ.  As the shades of night began to fall, there came a little lost child crying bitterly.  Conrad was annoyed because it was necessary to leave the shop in order to take the child to her house across town.  When he returned he was convinced he had missed the Lord’s visit while he was gone.  Conrad cried out, “Why is it, Lord that your feet delay?  Have you forgotten that this was the day?”  Then soft in the silence a Voice he heard: “Lift up your heart for I kept my word.  Three times I came to your friendly door; three times my shadow was on your floor.  I was the beggar with bruised feet; I was the woman you gave to eat; I was the child on the homeless street.”  I want to be a servant of the Lord; don’t you?

Finish It!

The Brooklyn Bridge, which links Brooklyn to Manhattan Island, is one of the most famous bridges in the world.  At the time it was first conceived in 1883, however, bridge-building experts throughout the world told the designer, a creative engineer by the name of John Roebling, that his idea wouldn't work.  Roebling convinced his son Washington, who was also an engineer, that his idea had merit.

The two developed the concept, resolved the problems others had forecast, and enthusiastically hired a crew to build their bridge.  After only a few months of building, a tragic on-site accident took John's life and severely injured Washington, who became unable to talk or walk.

Everyone thought the project would have to be abandoned, since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew the dynamics of building the bridge.  Washington, however, could still think, and he had a burning desire to see the bridge finished.  As he lay in his hospital bed, he had an idea.  He would communicate with the engineers by using one finger to tap out in code on his wife's arm what he wanted her to tell them.

Washington tapped out his instructions for 13 years until the bridge was built!  Leaders are not only self-starters, they are finishers.  The apostle Paul urges us, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9).

What Is Faith?

The book of Hebrews names an element that is absolutely essential to the development of the Christian life --- the quality of faith.  Chapter 11 focuses on faith by giving a description of it as well as supplying several demonstrations of it.  The first three verses focus on the ingredients of faith.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the men of old gained approval.  By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible (NASB).

From this we learn that faith is not merely positive thinking; neither is it just a hunch that is followed.  Faith is not simply hoping for the best; neither is it solely a feeling of optimism.  Faith does not possess the quality of believing in something in spite of the evidence.  That would be superstition.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.  It is to the Christian what the foundation is to a house.  It gives confidence and assurance that will stand and support the superstructure.  Faith is the conviction of things not seen.  That which is seen is not the whole explanation of life.  There are realities that cannot be seen, weighed, measured, analyzed, or touched; yet, they are as real and vital as anything we can see.

Several examples are given in this chapter of people who lived in the same kind of world in which we live and were confronted with the same problems we face; yet, they mastered their problems and overcame great obstacles through their faith.  Consider some of the marks of their faith that we need to develop in our lives.

GENUINE FAITH ALWAYS ACTS.  It doesn’t sit around and do nothing.  Note that Abel offered (vs. 4), Noah prepared (vs. 7), Abraham obeyed (vs. 8), Sarah conceived (vs. 11), Isaac blessed (vs. 20), Moses’ parents hid him for three months (vs. 23), Moses refused (vs. 24), left Egypt (vs. 27), kept the Passover (vs. 28), Israel passed through the Red Sea (vs. 29), encircled the city of Jericho (vs. 30), and Rahab welcomed the spies (vs. 31).  In every case there was action on the part of those who had faith.

FAITH ANTICIPATES.  Without faith, life would be a blind march into mystery.  Faith gives to life a goal and purpose.  Abraham lived as an alien in the land God promised him for he anticipated a heavenly city (vv. 8-10).  Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph anticipated by faith that which was beyond their present experience (vv. 20-22).  The Christian, in like manner, anticipates ultimate victory in Christ (Rev. 2:10) and eagerly awaits his eternal home (John 14:1-3).

FAITH RISKS.  The person of genuine faith gladly sacrifices any present advantage in order to gain future promises.  Moses risked his material advantage in order to gain something of great reward (vv. 24-28).  He chose the imperishable, saw the invisible, and did the “impossible.”  Such is the nature of faith.

These examples challenge us “set our jaws” that we will be determined to be a people of faith.

What Are the Responsibilities of Parents?

I don’t know that our culture is different from any other, but, undoubtedly, there is a major break-down in family relationships.  Our nation has one of the highest divorce rates of any nation in the world.  Unfortunately, we have many orphans with parents.  This is due to rampant parental neglect.  Rebellion on the part of children seems to be more common.  Misbehavior, disrespect, and apathy about God, education, and career goals seem to be more predominant than in previous generations.  There are many contributing factors to this social ill, but the answers cannot be found in government funding or studies.  However, God’s word addresses the matter of parental responsibility.

First, God says that parents are to PROVIDE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.  “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8, NASV).  Of course, this includes those things that are needful for sustaining their life and spirit, but it involves more.  Well-rounded training would include their intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual development (cf. Lk. 2:52).  Proper reading and viewing material should be made available.  Adequate nourishment and sleep as well as their emotional stability are a part of their physical needs.  A proper environment for the development of a child’s self-reliance, respect, and courtesy should be provided.  Of supreme importance is that of providing nourishment for their faith and knowledge of God’s word.

Second, parents should SET PROPER EXAMPLES FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO FOLLOW.  Aaron was a great man, but he made a tragic error after the Israelites were rescued from Egyptian bondage.  While his brother, Moses, was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron assisted the people in building a golden calf and worshipping it as a god (Ex. 32).  In later years, his sons, Nadab and Abihu, manifested that same lack of reverence for God when they used unauthorized fire in their fire pans (Lev. 10).  King David committed grievous sin when he had an affair with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah, killed on the battlefield to cover up his adultery (2 Sam. 11).  His son, Absalom, followed in the murderous and adulterous path his father had left behind (2 Sam. 13:30; 16:22).  Parents, if you don’t want your children to be guilty of profanity, vulgarity, or dishonesty, don’t engage in such yourself.  One of the greatest compliments God paid Abraham reflected His confidence that Abraham would lead his children properly (Gen. 18:19).  There is no greater heritage that parents can leave their children than that of “walking in the truth” of God’s word (2 Jn. 4).

Third, the PROPER EXERCISE OF DISCIPLINE is one of the great responsibilities God has placed on the shoulders of parents.  ‘Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Prov. 22:6).  There are two ways in which a child can go – the way in which he would go, headlong to ruin; and the way in which he should go, the pathway to heaven.  The direction a child goes in life is greatly dependent on the training he receives.  The earlier the training he receives, the easier the work, and the more encouraging the results.  Present neglect leads to later risk and perplexity.  Our character largely takes the form of that mold into which our early years were cast.  Training is not accomplished by merely telling.  A good example, wise instruction, and corrective discipline is a part of the training that should be provided.

Fourth, parents should LOVE THEIR CHILDREN.  Paul admonished older women to train younger women “to love their children” (Titus 2:4).  One would think that such love is only natural when people bring another life into the world.  It is, but it is often the case that parents don’t manifest proper love to their children.  Children are often abused, neglected, or viewed as a nuisance.  A good source for discovering the kind of love parents should manifest toward their children is 1 Corinthians, chapter 13.

The physical capability of bearing offspring does not make one a good parent.  There is much more to being a successful parent than just bringing another person into the world.  Perhaps the above suggestions will assist in making us better parents.

What Relationships Should Describe Marriage?

Marriage is one of the most important relationships in life as evidenced by the fact that God himself established the home (Gen. 2).  Marriage, however, is not a requirement of redemption.  One can be unmarried or married and still be saved eternally.  However, if one chooses to marry, there are certain qualities that will enrich the relationship.

In marriage, the husband and wife BELONG TO ONE ANOTHER.  When two people marry, all flirtations with others should cease because they have made a commitment to each other to be faithful (1 Cor. 7:4-5; Heb. 13:4).  This commitment goes beyond the physical relationship and involves a mutual sharing of joys and sorrows (Rom. 12:15).  Even possessions are not a “his and hers” proposition, but of joint ownership.

The husband and wife should truly LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  Paul compared it to the love that Christ had for the church when he died for it (Eph. 5:25).  It is a love that is ignited, fueled, and fanned by one’s will (1 Cor. 13:4-7).  It motivates a person to go to a concert or on a shopping spree with their mate, when they would rather be doing something else.  It endures when the excitement of romantic love fades and the responsibilities of family life become mere duty.  One young man, whose parents frequently moved due to job responsibilities, remarked to his schoolmates, “We have a home; we just don’t have a house to put it in.”  More than likely, genuine love can be found in that home.

Marriage partners need to learn to BE CONTENT WITH ONE ANOTHER.  Contentment is a learned attitude, according to Paul (Phil. 4:11).  Husbands should be content with the role God has assigned them.  They are to be the breadwinners for the family (1 Tim. 5:8).  God has appointed them as the head of the home (Eph. 5:23).  The husband and father should be the spiritual guide for the entire family (1 Pet. 3:7; Eph. 6:4).  Likewise, wives should be content with the role God has given them.  Theirs is not an inferior, but a supportive, role (Eph. 5:22, 24; 1 Pet. 3:1-4).  As such, they wield tremendous influence.  It is through their mothers that men receive the ideals of the past.  It is through their wives that men receive inspiration for the present.  It is through their daughters that men receive hope for the future.  A woman has the unique knack of making the most humble shack a beautiful home.  She can make the most common food a sumptuous feast.  She can turn the cloudiest day into a beautiful sunset.  Contentment is invaluable to the joy experienced in marriage.

The husband and wife should BE OF SPIRITUAL HELP TO ONE ANOTHER.  Marrying a Christian is important in being able to accomplish this.  Helping one another spiritually along the road to heaven ought to be the goal of every marriage (1 Cor. 7:16).  The plot of Ananias and Sapphira might have had a different ending if they had been more concerned about helping one another please God instead of trying to impress men (Acts 5:1-10).  Instead they were in collusion in their attempted deception.  There is no more beautiful picture than seeing husband and wife serving Jesus together, worshipping together, and praying together.  Are you a spiritual complement to your mate?

Husbands and wives need to BE FORGIVING OF ONE ANOTHER.  Everyone has weaknesses and will make mistakes.  That is only a part of being human.  We have a choice in marriage.  We can either magnify the weaknesses and mistakes of our mate or we can be willing to forgive and overlook them.  True love “…pays no attention to a suffered wrong” (1 Cor. 13:5, Amp).  It does not allow a mistake to become a source of irritation that erodes the relationship between husband and wife.  Forgiveness lifts the burden of guilt from the soul of the wrongdoer and takes bitterness from the heart of the one who extends it.

Where Are You, Spiritually?

      One of the most interesting parables Jesus told reveals the spiritual condition of every person in the world.  It is known as the Parable of the Sower and is related in Matthew 13.  The parable describes four different kinds of soil upon which seed is sown.  The productivity of the seed is directly related to the condition of the soil in which it is sown.  The seed represents the word of God (Lk. 8:11) and the soil represents the heart of man.  Usually the parable is applied to the non-Christian and his response to the gospel.  It also has merit in its application to Christians.  Let’s examine the parable noting the reception given the gospel.

      The WAYSIDE soil represents those who are so hardened by sin that the seed of God’s word cannot penetrate (Matt. 13:4, 19).  The human heart can be so hardened by pride, prejudice, inactivity, lethargy, mental laziness, or mental arrogance that the gospel is not allowed to bear fruit.  Christians who fall away from God can even become so hardened they cannot any longer be touched by the compassion of God or the appeal of the gospel (Heb. 6:6).  At one time in their life, they were moved by the saving message of the gospel and obeyed it.  Over time, they have allowed sin to so desensitize them that they cannot be reached (Heb. 3:13).  How sad!

      The ROCKY soil represents the superficial hearer who lacks spiritual depth (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21).  A tree with a vast root system pulls moisture from the soil.  The spiritual root system of a Christian is developed in private Bible study, prayer, and faithful attendance to the worship assemblies.  Some Christians fail to make these activities a part of their life and, thus, fail to develop spiritually.  Like the Galatians (Gal. 5:7), they started out well, full of excitement for the cause of Christ, but they did not grow and develop.  They are spiritually malnourished.

      The THORNY soil represents the crowded heart, that is the heart that has become so concerned about the things of the world that the word of God has been relegated to the background in life (Matt. 13:7, 22).  If you have ever raised a garden or planted a crop, you know that it is not necessary to cultivate weeds.  They grow without any attention being given to them.  In fact, you constantly have to be pulling or hoeing them to prevent them from taking over.  In his application of this parable, Jesus mentions a trio of antagonists that will take over a person’s life if attention is not given to preventing their development.  (1) “The worry of the world” refers to a score of interests which are legitimate in themselves, but which are allowed to dominate life to the exclusion of God.  Participation in sports activities, hobbies, and career advancement are among them.  (2) “The deceitfulness of riches” squelches the spiritual appetite of many.  Materialism is, indeed, deceitful.  It entices one to believe that the accumulation of material things in life will produce happiness, a reduction in worry, and a generally care-free life, but it most often produces unhappiness and greater stress.  It crowds out spiritual pursuits and leaves a vast emptiness behind.  (3) Luke’s account of this parable adds a third antagonist, “The pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14).  There are many things in life that are pleasurable, but that doesn’t mean they are righteous.  Simply because something may make a person feel good does not mean that it is the right thing to do.  This is not to say that serving God is not a pleasurable experience.  It is the most pleasant and joyful thing a person can do.  However, pursuing the pleasures of life can dull spiritual sensitivity and crowd God out.  Christ warns his disciples of the dangers these “weeds” present.

      The GOOD soil represents those who receive the gospel, continue to grow and produce spiritual fruit in their lives (Matt. 13:8, 23).  These are the people who have committed themselves to the Lord and do not look back (Lk. 9:62).  They steadily pursue developing those attributes that will make them fruitful in the service of God: virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Pet. 1:5-8).

      The Samaritan woman in Sychar (John 4) illustrates all four kinds of soil.  At first, she was antagonistic to Christ (vs. 9).  The shallowness of her spiritual understanding becomes evident in verse 15.  Her crowded heart (vs. 19-20) grew into a good heart when she acknowledged faith in Christ (vs. 25).  She bore much fruit by telling her fellow citizens about Christ (vs. 29-30).  As a result, many of them became disciples of Jesus (vs. 39-42). 

      At different times in our lives we may be represented by any one of these types of soil, but we can change.  Where do you fit in the story?  Where are you, spiritually?  Is it where you want to stay?

What Should One Bring to the Marriage Altar?

In Scheswig, Germany, a girl proves she is ready for marriage by being able to jump across a certain stream of water.  In Nepal, a young girl must hike two miles uphill with a baby on her back to show she is ready to be a wife.  In many cultures, however, there are no preparations or requirements that must be met before marriage is entered.  An individual must prove his capability to drive a car before obtaining a driver’s license.  A person is required to meet certain regulations before he is licensed to fly an airplane.  One must complete certain course requirements and a residency before he is allowed to practice medicine.  However, many people conclude that letting “nature take its course” is all the preparation needed for marriage.  This conclusion is faulty as evidenced by the number of marriages that end in divorce.  What are some qualities that need to be brought to the marriage altar?

A firm commitment.  A young man wanted duplicate copies of his girlfriend’s picture; so, she took the photo to a photographer to have copies made.  The photographer noticed the following inscription on the back of the picture: “My dearest Tim, I love you with all of my heart.  I love you more and more each day.  I will love you forever and ever.  I am yours for eternity.”  Signed, Diane.  “P.S. If we ever break up, I want this picture back.”  Unfortunately, many enter marriage with no firm intention to make it last.  Their thinking is that if things don’t go well, the marriage can be dissolved and the same process can be repeated until the “right one” comes along.  Zane Alexander wrote a book, the title of which expresses the faulty view many take regarding the commitment of marriage, Till Death Do Us Part or Something Else Comes Up.  Jesus affirmed God’s design for marriage from the beginning when He said that a man is to leave his parental ties and cleave to his wife (Mt. 19:5).  One husband who understood this commitment said to his wife, “I will never leave you.  Others may come and go in your life but I never will.  For any reason.  Ever.  If you wrinkle, I will love you.  If you fail, I will stay with you.  If you get sick, I will feed you, bathe you, sit up with you – anything – except leave you.  I will never leave you.”  That kind of commitment produces long, happy marriages.

Adequate financial support.  It has often been stated that the number one cause of marital unhappiness is due to the stresses that result from financial strain.  It is true that “two can live as cheaply as one” provided one doesn’t eat!  Learn to live within the limits of your income.  Count the cost (Lk. 14:28) and budget your expenses.  Discipline yourself to live within your means.  Don’t become a victim of easy credit.

A willingness to forgive.  All of us make mistakes.  We sometimes make thoughtless comments that injure or hurt the feelings of our mate.  The family often becomes the object of our frustration due to problems experienced elsewhere.  In such times we need to learn to ask for forgiveness as well as be willing to forgive (Eph. 4:32).  One of the most important phrases of a successful marriage is, “I am sorry.  Please forgive me.”

When considering marriage, it is important to find the right person.  However, it is more important to be the right kind of person yourself.  If you will bring that to the marriage altar, you’ll have greater success.