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Gary G. Hoag
“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”— Ephesians 5:15-16; Psalm 100:2; John 12:26; Hebrews 6:10
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
"Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation. They enjoy helping people, meeting needs, and doing ministry. They "serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2). Why do they serve with gladness? Because they love the Lord, they’re grateful for his grace, they know serving is the highest use of life, and they know God has promised a reward. Jesus promised, "The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me" (John 12:26). Paul said, "He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians" (Hebrews 6:10). Imagine what could happen if just 10 percent of all Christians in the world got serious about their role as real servants. Imagine all the good that could be done. Are you willing to be one of those people? It doesn’t matter what your age is, God will use you if you will begin to act and think like a servant."
Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am Here For?” (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002) 270.
What a journey this week!
We have been challenged to shift from building wealth to building God's kingdom. As a first step we discovered that this shift requires us to pursue meaning over money and richness over riches. We exchange what the world says is the good life for a better life.
From there we grasped that God gave us our abilities not just to make a living but also to minister with Him in the world. But to serve God as our CEO and Master, following the example of Jesus, we learn our role is to serve others. And real servants serve God with a mindset of five attitudes.
1. Servants think more about others than about themselves.
2. Servants think like stewards, not owners.
3. Servants think about their work, not what others are doing.
4. Servants base their identity in Christ.
5. Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation.
Today's Scripture instructs us to make the most of every opportunity to serve others. Why? Every generation has evil days. But through our service, we minister with God and expand His kingdom.
We do this with gladness and generosity. Our enthusiasm to serve flows from gratitude for the grace we have received from God. And we can anticipate unfathomable reward because God sees and promises not to forget our service.
Are you willing to be a kingdom builder?
God, I want to pursue richness over riches. Help me work to make a living and to minister with you in the world. With you as my CEO and Master, shape me as a servant and kingdom builder by your Holy Spirit, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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