Christian Service # 2

Christian Service # 2

The true and normal Christian life consists of being in subjection to God. No longer is a quickened soul determined to have his own way at all costs, but instead, the dominating longing and purpose of his heart is to please and honor the Lord in all things. This is the result of a miraculous work of grace, for "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).

The best way to discover what is signified by being a servant of God, is to ponder the life of the Lord Jesus. Of Him, it is written, "Who, being in the form of God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant" (Phil. 2:6-7). And what did that involve? This - we are told that, "Christ pleased not Himself" (Romans 15:3). As He declared, "For I came down from Heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me" (John 6:38). And again, "I do always those things that please Him." That was the character of conduct of the perfect Servant. 

And, my reader, Christ has left believers "an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2:21). The "yoke" Christ assumed was that of unreserved submission to God's will, and nothing less than that is what He requires from His followers. We are not Christians at all, unless we are servants of God, fully surrendered to His will, and walking in obedience to His Word.

Alas, satan is deceiving so many today by leading them to suppose that they are savingly trusting in the "finished work" of Christ, while their hearts remain unchanged and self-will rules their lives! "He who says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments - is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4). What could be plainer than that?

What a searching and solemn word also is in James 1:22, "Be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." There are many "hearers" of the Word, regular hearers, diligent hearers, in some respects, very interested hearers, yet, what they hear is not incorporated into the life. It does not regulate their ways. And God says that they who are not doers of the Word, are "deceiving their own selves."

Alas, how many such there are in Christendom today! Those who are not downright hypocrites, but deluded souls. They suppose that because they are so clear on salvation being by grace alone, they are saved, and that because they sit under the ministry of a man who has "made the Bible a new Book" to them, they are growing in grace.

How many imagine that the mere listening to a true servant of God, or reading his writings, is feeding on the Word. Not so! We only "feed" on the Word when we personally appropriate, masticate, and assimilate into our lives what we read or hear. "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows!" (Luke 12:47).

Christian service is a lie of obedience - our inward and outward life being regulated by the divine precepts.

The service of God is one of freedom, yes, it is the only one where real freedom is to be found. It is the one who willingly renders obedience to Him - who is "the Lord's freeman" (1 Cor. 7:22). God does NOT force His people into service, but constrains them by His love, and their language is, "I will walk at liberty; for I seek your precepts" (Psalm 119:45).

Nothing is more honorable than to be a dutiful servant of God, for it entails the smile of approbation from Him who is the King of kings.

Nothing is more pleasant than to be subject to God's commands, for it secures His favor and fellowship.

What a rich reward is assured those who take His yoke upon them! The Lord Jesus declared, "Where I am, there shall also my servant be" (John 12:26). And again, "Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:24). And yet again, "There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him" (Rev. 22:3) - now, serving Him in the office, the shop, or the kitchen then, serving Him in the courts of the Father's house above.

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)