What Does it Mean to be a Servant of Christ?
Romans 1:1-7 (NLT)
This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
The passage refers to Paul as a servant of Christ. What does “be a servant” really mean?
I am reminded of the Basic Needs Feeding Ministry which takes place three afternoons a week at my home church. This ministry is aimed at helping the least, the lost, and the lowly within the community.
The program has met opposition by some for they feel providing basic needs will simply enable these individuals. Did Jesus ask for credentials and a resume when feeding the five thousand? Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs. (Isaiah 58:7)
Jesus said he did not come to be served, but to serve. (Mark 10:45) In today’s world we often measure greatness by high personal achievement. However, in Christ’s kingdom, service is the way to get ahead.
This Advent season why not take a new step in a new direction and look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others instead of seeking to have your own needs met?
Mother Teresa once said, “We’ve just forgotten that we belong to each other.” When we begin to connect ourselves together, we begin to develop kinship. And once we develop kinship, we can begin to bridge the gap between a person needing basic needs and having basic needs.
Decide that you will build that bridge and encourage the needy and unchurched to cross over to the other side and experience God’s mercy, love, and compassion that are the marks of his kingdom. (Matthew 25: 35-36; 40)
Prayer: Heavenly father, open my eyes and heart to the needs of those around me. Use me as your servant, Lord, to show them your mercy, love, and compassion. In Jesus name, Amen.
I am reminded of the Basic Needs Feeding Ministry which takes place three afternoons a week at my home church. This ministry is aimed at helping the least, the lost, and the lowly within the community.
The program has met opposition by some for they feel providing basic needs will simply enable these individuals. Did Jesus ask for credentials and a resume when feeding the five thousand? Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others’ needs. (Isaiah 58:7)
Jesus said he did not come to be served, but to serve. (Mark 10:45) In today’s world we often measure greatness by high personal achievement. However, in Christ’s kingdom, service is the way to get ahead.
This Advent season why not take a new step in a new direction and look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others instead of seeking to have your own needs met?
Mother Teresa once said, “We’ve just forgotten that we belong to each other.” When we begin to connect ourselves together, we begin to develop kinship. And once we develop kinship, we can begin to bridge the gap between a person needing basic needs and having basic needs.
Decide that you will build that bridge and encourage the needy and unchurched to cross over to the other side and experience God’s mercy, love, and compassion that are the marks of his kingdom. (Matthew 25: 35-36; 40)
Prayer: Heavenly father, open my eyes and heart to the needs of those around me. Use me as your servant, Lord, to show them your mercy, love, and compassion. In Jesus name, Amen.
Lynn Ritter, 1st United Methodist Church, Elkins, WV, jimlynnritter@gmail.com, Local Church Staff Liaison, Greenbrier/Wesleyan District Lead Team Member & Mission Team Chair
1 Comment
I love that reading. Thank you