Friday, December 28, 2007

The Believer's Highest Honor

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley


The Believer's Highest Honor -- 1 Peter 5:6

I remember just one of the many introductions I have received over the years. A fellow stood before the audience I would be addressing and said, "It is my pleasure to introduce you to my brother, Charles Stanley, servant of the most high God." What a God-honoring introduction that was!

The title of "servant" is not meant to describe only those working directly for the church. Jesus' promise from John 12:26-- that God would honor those who serve Him--was made to all believers. We are to undertake every activity of our day as if we're working for the Lord, so that servanthood becomes a way of life.

A believer's willing acceptance of the servant role is countercultural. The world teaches us to chase after power but advises ignoring opportunities to serve unless there's personal benefit. Like Jesus, though, the leaders of the early church saw things differently. These men were honored to refer to themselves as bondslaves, the lowest of servants. They loved God so much that they were pleased to do anything in His name-- feed the poor, make tents, wash feet, and even go to prison.

The Lord has placed each one of us in a position to serve others and thereby serve Him. The feet we wash, figuratively speaking, are those of our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We must give our best effort to the relationships and work we have been given in this world. To offer anything less is to refuse the life we have been called to live--a life of service to the most high God.

No comments: