Friday, September 26, 2008

Servanthood

Jesus said He came to be “servant of all”. We are to follow His example in all things. To serve one another in love……………that’s the missing part…… “love”.

So many times we “do” things out of obligation to others or out of guilt or to cover our tracks in some way. That’s not what God has called us to do. He said to serve one another in love………preferring the other person above ourselves.

Through observation you can obtain a lot of knowledge, but better yet, a lot of understanding. When you see people who really love each other and have “relationship”, they have joy in giving of their time and energy. It’s a pleasure for them to serve one another.

That’s the example for the Body of Christ. When you see others “serving” but with “attitude”, that shows the lack of the “intimacy” of love. It shows lack of “relationship”……not “relationship” with that person, but “relationship” with the Lover of our souls. It’s a sure-fire way to check your “love” tank level. If you don’t enjoy “doing” for others, or a particular “other”, then you have a “love” issue. You’re too self-absorbed, self-focused, and selfish. It’s not “what about me”, it’s about “what about others”. How can I bless God and bless others? That’s the servant’s heart. A heart we are all supposed to have.

Jonah

I heard a new twist to the story of Jonah that I’d like to share. It’s from the viewpoint of the mariners of the ship. It really struck a chord in my heart and gave me new revelation of what I was going through in my life.

The Story:

Jonah hopped on board a boat that was on a mission, they had a destination and the supplies they needed to reach that destination. They already had the plan of action and the cargo they needed to carry out their mission. They were not a passenger boat, but thought they would be kind to Jonah and let him ride along since they thought they were going the same direction.

When the storm came up, the mariners thought to go back to the shore from which they came to save everyone and everything. It wasn’t the direction they were supposed to be going. But, going back to the shore wasn’t an option. The storm was too rough no matter what direction they went.

Jonah told them to throw him overboard. He knew he was running from God. They still wanted to help him. So, they started throwing their supplies and other cargo overboard……things they needed to accomplish their mission. They thought they would help the situation. Jonah knew he was the cause of it all.

The Point:

They both were on a mission. They both were valuable to what they were called to do.

The Revelation:

Isn’t it interesting……the people we let “onboard” our lives? We think they are going the same direction. When, in fact, they have a complete different agenda and are supposed to be going the complete opposite direction. They know it, but they play along to get a ride to “somewhere”. Then the raging storms come up, things have to be confronted. Drastic measures have to take place at that point.

Sometimes God allows the storms to keep us from going back the wrong direction. Sometimes we have to be held steady in the middle of things until we can go forward again. It’s painful to lose the supplies and cargo needed for your mission, but it’s more painful to have to throw your Jonah overboard. But, in the end, it’s best for all involved. Jonah is just as valuable in what he’s supposed to do, but causes storms in others’ lives because of disobedience.

Jonah finally obeyed God, but had an attitude problem even after God showed Himself as Saviour to him and the people of Ninevah. The mariners weren’t the problem. They had nothing to do with the issue of his running or his attitude. Those were problems he had to work out with God. He made his problems himself. He chose to run from God. He chose to deceive those around him. He stirred up the storms in the mariners lives.

The mariners were no doubt more careful the next time they decided to let someone onboard. They couldn’t afford to compromise their mission or risk their lives and the lives of others for the sake of a Jonah.

The Practical Side:

God wants us to be kind and loving, to show mercy and compassion to others. But, sometimes that compassion and mercy is best served by spurring them on to repentance and responsibility. Too many people have an idea of compassion and mercy as “Oh, you poor baby. Let’s not let anyone hurt you again” type attitude. That’s not God’s mercy and compassion. Mercy isn’t stopping pain from happening in someone’s life. Mercy is helping someone to get on with their mission, no matter how painful it may seem. Tell the Truth in love. Support one another in prayer. But for the sake of all those around and the Kingdom purposes, don’t “baby” the children of God forever. It’s time to grow up into Him and take a stand for His Kingdom.