The heart for service

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. We thank God for He is good and His mercies endure forever.

Primary Text

“So then, let us [apostles] be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards (trustees) of the mysteries (the secret purposes) of God.” 1 Corinthians 4v1 (AMP)

“So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries.” 1 Corinthians 4v1 (NLT)

“Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t. We are servants of Christ, not His masters. We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets, not security guards posted to protect them.” 1 Corinthians 4v1 (MSG)

The apostle Paul here is saying, don’t make us out to be what we are not. We are ministers and stewards of the mysteries of God, to explain these mysteries to you. This is based on the background of the Corinthians bickering and saying I’m for Paul, I’m for Apollos. How do you handle the assignment you have been given to do? What is your attitude towards it? Do you become puffed up? As humans, sometimes we seek approval for what we do, but we need to put things in proper perspective. Remember, you are the servant of the Lord and it is unto Him that you do what you do. John 13v3-5 (NIV) says “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” Jesus knew all things were under His power, He knew who He was, He knew where He was going, and yet He did not begin to lord this over His disciples. Instead, He loved them to the end and showed a great example in service and humility.

Supplementary Text

“I warn and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church) as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed (disclosed, unfolded): Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation). And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will win the conqueror’s crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5v1-4 (AMP)

Prayer

Father God, we thank You so much for this day. We ask You for humble hearts, not to exalt ourselves, but to do all that we do remembering that we are Your servants, in Jesus name we pray, amen.