TO SERVE OR BE SERVED – Part 2
By W. G. Guy
This addition to Part 1 goes more into the topic of what is the work that is referred to as “ministry”, or being a servant of the LORD. People assume that to minister, or to be a minister, means to stand in a pulpit and preach to a congregation which he leads. Although this is most common, it is not entirely what it means to be a minister of the LORD.
To be a minister (servant) of the LORD Jesus means to serve others, (as covered in Part 1). Serving others as a minister, is actually being a servant of the LORD Jesus Christ, and covers numerous other forms of serving. It is being to others what Jesus wants us to be to them as His representatives. In Romans 12 we are told about “grace gifts” that are forms of ministry that are not pastors, preachers or church leaders.
Romans 12:4-8 – For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Note: these are not the five gift ministries that are listed in Ephesians 4, that Jesus assigned to provide leadership in the church.)
Consider the various ways we can minister/serve others as some are listed the above scripture. The “grace gift” of prophecy is the ability to speak by direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is not the office of prophet, which is a specific function in the church. This is an ability to spontaneously speak to a person, or group, when the Holy Spirit so choses to bring a specific message for that person or group. Such an ability, or gifting, does not make the person a prophet.
As a side note: to speak a prophetic word by inspiration of the Holy Spirit does not necessarily mean “foretelling future” events, as most people assume. Speaking prophetically simply means speaking by inspiration, and as such, are messages that the LORD wants people to hear, heed, or be informed about. This is referred to as “forth telling”, not “foretelling”. This “grace gift” requires one to step out in faith to speak sensing the LORD is stirring up that effort: “prophesy according to the proportion of faith”.
Next is the “grace gift” of ministry, which means service as in the specific ability to help others or render assistance in time of need; serving as a waiter or a waitress. Then we have those who have the “grace gift” of teaching which does not refer to the Christ appointed, or ordained teacher, but having the occasional ability to instruct or train others, both children and adults, in the Word.
2 Timothy 2:24 – And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, …..
This is followed by the “grace gift” of exhortation, being an exhorter; which means to give encouragement. This gift is one of strengthening, consoling, reinforcing ones faith to continue on in a time of trials. Next on the list is the “grace gift” of giving, which means to meet the need of others, and doing it without fanfare or for personal recognition.
The “grace gift” of “he that ruleth” speaks of leadership, and implies those who are able to step up to take the lead in a situation or circumstance where others may falter, stubble or fail. This is a service to those who may be weak, or new in the faith; it is the “follow me” example that others look up to. Then we have the “grace gift” of mercy, which means to be a care giver; one who reaches down to enthusiastically lift up one who has fallen and needs assistance to get up and continue on.
Obviously, as stated in the verse above, not everyone has the same, or all, of the grace gifts. These are apportioned out by the LORD. He knows who He can trust with which specific gift or calling. Some do not even qualify for such service, even though they are wanted to do so by the LORD.
Matthew 22:14 – For many are called, but few are chosen.
The “grace gifts“ discussed here are not the same as the five gift ministries listed in Ephesians 4 that consist of apostle, prophet, evangelist pastor and teacher. Such ministry gifts operate within the church to provide leadership and direction. The “grace gifts” of Romans 12 are given to believers to serve one another as well as to operate outside to church as a witness to the world. All believers are called to serve, or minister to, one another!
However, this list of “grace gifts” is not all inclusive, because there are many other ways to serve (or minister) to the lives of others as Jesus would do; or that He would have you to do. They are forms of service that Jesus wants us to engage in to help serve one another as He would, thus being an example.
So we need to consider ways that we can serve, or minister, to others; reaching out in love as Jesus instructed us. We are to respond to needs and opportunities that are presented to us, and not just focusing on ourselves. Note: to serve others is not for drawing attention, or to gain recognition, or to benefit financially. In fact, in most situations, such service is likely going to cost you something, your time, your effort, or your money. We are to do such service as unto the LORD, with all due diligence.
Colossians 3:23-24 – and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
When we serve others in the ways listed above we are actually serving Jesus.
Matthew 25:40 – And the King (Jesus) shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
As already mentioned, we are not to do our serving for recognition, or to gain favor among men.
Luke 17:10 – So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
So it’s not about financial gain or earning a living, because those that pay you actually control you; if you don’t comply with who pays you, you may not get paid. This brings up the topic of motive: why do you take up the task of serving? It is not for self, but in obedience to Jesus Christ as His representatives to others.
Serving others is to show God’s love; it is the foundation of the kingdom of God as Jesus commanded.
John 15:16-17 – You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love (serve) each other.
Final thought: we are made the children of God through Jesus Christ; and are His servants, He is not our servant. Many people seem to pray asking for Him to do things for us, making Him our servant: when we should be asking Him what He wants us to do to serve him. So we are actually serving Him as we do what He wants by serving others in meekness and humility. Additionally, to serve does not mean to control as was done by priests and religious leaders of Israel, and in some church denominations today.
Micah 6:8 – He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly (the way you treat others), and to love mercy caring for others), and to walk humbly (in submission) with thy God?
