What does it mean to ‘Serve’ the Lord?
What does it mean to ‘Serve’ the Lord?
In most people’s minds, it involves attendance to services and functions, giving of tithes and offerings, and perhaps giving an overall appearance of being a ‘good’ Christian.
Too many times people feel brow beaten and put on guilt trips if they are not doing the ‘right things’ or ‘going to church’. If they are not at ‘church’ every time the doors are open and put money in the plate, then they get the feeling of not being a good Christian, of not serving the Lord properly, and are on track to backsliding.
Where and how did this mindset come about?
How do we live and/or serve Christ?
I believe we do this simply by allowing Him, by His Spirit, to direct our everyday functions and dealings.
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What are your thoughts?????????
In most people’s minds, it involves attendance to services and functions, giving of tithes and offerings, and perhaps giving an overall appearance of being a ‘good’ Christian.
Too many times people feel brow beaten and put on guilt trips if they are not doing the ‘right things’ or ‘going to church’. If they are not at ‘church’ every time the doors are open and put money in the plate, then they get the feeling of not being a good Christian, of not serving the Lord properly, and are on track to backsliding.
Where and how did this mindset come about?
How do we live and/or serve Christ?
I believe we do this simply by allowing Him, by His Spirit, to direct our everyday functions and dealings.
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What are your thoughts?????????
Views: 492
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Micheal Ellis Childress on -
So, a lot of you do not meet together regularly. Is this just rebellion against the IC? Is this the result of the anti-leadership mentality? How much sense does this make? Did every one stay home if Peter or Paul got sick or got hung up with a "visitation?" Did Jesus visit the synagogue on a regular basis? Can you detect the sarcasm?
"GOD DID NOT CALL US TO IMITATE JESUS."?????????????????
Have left the scriptures as well as the IC?
Peace from the NN's of the Earth,
Mike
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Permalink Reply by acha marvin on -
Hello Micheal,
am sure this is in relation to my statement. I have explained above what the phrase 'God has not called us to imitate Jesus'. I said yo only imitate something you are not. God has called us to walk even as He walked. This is not achieved by imitating him, but by Him living His life through you. I will like to get your email, so we talk on a more personal note. There are some things i want to find out from you.
every blessing
Marvin
Micheal Ellis Childress said:So, a lot of you do not meet together regularly. Is this just rebellion against the IC? Is this the result of the anti-leadership mentality? How much sense does this make? Did every one stay home if Peter or Paul got sick or got hung up with a "visitation?" Did Jesus visit the synagogue on a regular basis? Can you detect the sarcasm?
"GOD DID NOT CALL US TO IMITATE JESUS."?????????????????
Have left the scriptures as well as the IC?
Peace from the NN's of the Earth,
Mike
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Permalink Reply by David on -
I know it is easy to hijack a discussion, but please don't.
Micheal - you wrote
So, a lot of you do not meet together regularly. Is this just rebellion against the IC? For some maybe. For me it is work. Yet we can 'serve the Lord' wherever we are. It might be helping a homeless person, assisting a frazzled mother of 3 toddlers with carrying the groceries to their car, or whatever the Master sets before us to be His hands & feet.
The other comments can be approached elsewhere please.
Marvin -
I agree with what you are saying about 'imitating Christ'.
If we think of the word imitation and one of its definitions, we get the idea of not real or counterfeit.
But if we look at another definition we find it is used for defining how a child learns behavior. I believe this is exactly what it is meaning in scripture. We are to learn to by following Jesus' example. He said this, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,......"
So again, how do we serve Him?
Evidently, according to Jesus, it is by serving others. Check out Casting Crowns song lyrics "If We are the Body"
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Permalink Reply by Micheal Ellis Childress on
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David:
I apologize for seeming to hijack the thread. I only meant to be responding to the responses but, I see where you mean that I got off track. How do we serve Him? Matthew 25:13, 23, 40.
In Christ,
Mike
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Permalink Reply by Bill Wood on -
howdy saints,
Wow Michael, what's gotten into you? I hope you're not going to fill the vacuum left by Michael Millier;^D
And Sandy, I'm doing well thanks. And you? You mentioned Gal.2:20. What's interesting about that passage is that Christ Himself is most definitely the central theme, yet Paul refers to himself seven times. Obviously Paul had come to an understanding of being completely immersed and overwhelmed by Christ Jesus Himself. Paul had been fully incorporated into Christ. He was his own individual person, but his identity was Christ.
May it please God immensely to reveal to all the saints that they truly shared in the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that they also share in His Life, which conquers death.
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Permalink Reply by Shaliach on -
Bro Marvin,
I will agree to some extent with what you're saying which seems to boil down to some semantics. It's very difficult to discuss things in this fashion for this reason.
As for as the original question, I believe that when we see a need and have the ability & the "OK" to fill it then we are serving Him. Whether it be giving someone a ride, giving financial aid, mowing a lawn, making a phone call, serving your spouse, anything where you are giving of yourself toward the needs of another. He said when you do it (serve) "Unto the least of these, you have done it unto me. He mentioned feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting those in prison, etc,,,If we are serving others from a heart of love then we are serving Him
Another example of of His service was the time He took on the servants towel and did what was needed which was washing the disciples filthy feet. This was our example. If there's a need, and we can fill it, we should. He showed us that nothing is"below" our station and the greatest among us is the one who serves.
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Permalink Reply by David on
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Thanks Michael, it is quite easy to get off track of a discussion even when meeting in a group face to face. Some friends of mine said it is like chasing off down a rabbit trail, so someone has to try and keep everyone focused on the topic at hand. LOL :)
You cited Matthew 25:13, 23, 40
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Help me understand here what your thoughts are concerning this passage and serving him.
Shaliach, you stated "I believe that when we see a need and have the ability & the "OK" to fill it then we are serving Him. Whether it be giving someone a ride, giving financial aid, mowing a lawn, making a phone call, serving your spouse, anything where you are giving of yourself toward the needs of another", and used verse 40 to back it up and I agree with that.
How often are we guilty of bypassing opportunities the Master has put in front of us to serve Him?
What about those standing on the street corners or in parking lots begging for a handout? How do we handle that?
I read this on today from 'My Utmost for His Highest' and I think it helps here in that we must put Him first in order to truly serve the Lord
Put God First
“Jesus did not commit Himself to them … for He knew what was in man” (John 2:24–25).
Put Trust in God First
Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first. He trusted absolutely in what God’s grace could do for others. If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be — absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God.
Put God’s Will First
“Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:9).
A person’s obedience is to what he sees to be a need — our Lord’s obedience was to the will of His Father. The rallying cry today is, “We must get to work! The heathen are dying without God. We must go and tell them about Him.” But we must first make sure that God’s “needs” and His will in us personally are being met. Jesus said, “… tarry … until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). The purpose of our Christian training is to get us into the right relationship to the “needs” of God and His will. Once God’s “needs” in us have been met, He will open the way for us to accomplish His will, meeting His “needs” elsewhere.
Put God’s Son First
“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:5).
God came as a baby, giving and entrusting Himself to me. He expects my personal life to be a “Bethlehem.” Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God’s ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me.
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Permalink Reply by David on
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I thought I would give some definitions for the word serve from Strong's Hebrew & Greek dictionaries. It is used 193 times in different contexts. If we read the passages with the knowledge of the word definition then we have a clearer understanding of what it means to serve the Lord. I did not jot down every verse because of space so here is a link to help or maybe you have Strong's Concordance already
H5647 – Used 147 times
€aòbad
aw-bad'
A primitive root; to work (in any sense); by implication to serve, till,compel, do, dress, ear, execute, + husbandman, keep, labour (-ing man), bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve (-ing, self), (be, become) servant (-s), do (use) service, till (-er), transgress [from margin], (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper.
H5656 - Used once in Leviticus 25:39
€aõboòdaòh €aõboòdaòh
ab-o-daw', ab-o-daw'
From H5647; work of any kind:—act, bondage, + bondservant, effect, labour, ministering (-try), office, service (-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, X wrought.
H5975 – Used once in Jeremiah 40:10
€aòmad
aw-mad'
A primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literally and figuratively, intransitively and transitively):—abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be [over],
place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
H6399 – Used 7 times, all in Daniel
pelach
pel-akh'
(Chaldee); corresponding to H6398; to serve or worship:—minister, serve.
H8334 – Used 4 times 2Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 101:6, Isaiah 56:6, Ezekiel 20:32
shaòrath
shaw-rath'
A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively to contribute to:—minister (unto), (do) serve (-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on.
G1247 – Used 7 times in the New Testament
diakoneoô
dee-ak-on-eh'-o
From G1249; to be an attendant, that is, wait upon (menially or as a host, friend or [figuratively] teacher); technically to act as a Christian deacon:—(ad-) minister (unto), serve, use the office of a deacon.
G1398 - Used 13 times in the New Testament
douleuoô
dool-yoo'-o
From G1401; to be a slave to (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily):—be in bondage, (do) serve (-ice).
G3000 - Used 13 times in the New Testament
latreuoô
lat-ryoo'-o
From ëÜôñéò latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), that is, render religious homage:—serve, do the service, worship (-per).
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Permalink Reply by Micheal Ellis Childress on
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David:
You said:
You cited Matthew 25:13, 23, 40
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Help me understand here what your thoughts are concerning this passage and serving him.
Matthew 25:13 is the conclusion of the tale of the expectant virgins. One of the ways we serve is by being prepared, not only for His coming but, by doing the things that grow us. Matthew 25:23 is the conclusion of the parable of the talents. A second way we serve is by using what we are given. Matthew 25:40 is the conclusion of the parable of the sheep and the goats. It shows us that we serve Jesus by serving others. To quote Keith Green, " The only difference between the sheep and the goats is what they did and did not DO."
Peace from the NN's of the Earth,
Mike
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Permalink Reply by David on
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Thanks for giving your thoughts.
I think it really helps for those who happen onto discussions like this.
I really agree with your view on these verses. If all followers of Christ would do these then I think we could impact our societies even more for Him.
Micheal Ellis Childress said:David:
You said:
You cited Matthew 25:13, 23, 40
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Help me understand here what your thoughts are concerning this passage and serving him.
Matthew 25:13 is the conclusion of the tale of the expectant virgins. One of the ways we serve is by being prepared, not only for His coming but, by doing the things that grow us. Matthew 25:23 is the conclusion of the parable of the talents. A second way we serve is by using what we are given. Matthew 25:40 is the conclusion of the parable of the sheep and the goats. It shows us that we serve Jesus by serving others. To quote Keith Green, " The only difference between the sheep and the goats is what they did and did not DO."
Peace from the NN's of the Earth,
Mike
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Permalink Reply by Shaliach on
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Your suggestion is a wonderful one - "put G-d First", "Trust Him" which all involves the first & greatest command which is to love Him with all our heart, soul and strength and the second like it, to love others as we love ourselves. If we do those two things we will trust, have faith and serve Him effectively.
You asked 2 questions:
How often are we guilty of bypassing opportunities the Master has put in front of us to serve Him? Too many to mention and many times we're entirely oblivious because of a carnal mind which is focused on "self" or the cares of the world etc...
What about those standing on the street corners or in parking lots begging for a handout? How do we handle that?
I don't give to anyone begging on the street corner, or parking lots etc... I personally have no freedom in my spirit to do so. I have seen this in my own distant family where the money was used to purchase drugs. This is not to say that no one should ever give to a panhandler because we all must do as we're instructed by Him and there are always exceptions to this issue of giving.
I believe that we are supposed to give into good ground. The majority of panhandlers are taking advantage of people's generosity and will at best misuse money for sinful vices that could have otherwise gone in to "good ground". In that case you are neither helping them or the kingdom. Scripturally, if a person is to make money, they should work for it. If unwilling to work, they should not receive handouts.
There are multiple charitable organizations that are willing to help people and who are experienced with this sort of thing where most of us are not. Many panhandlers are masterful at lying and manipulating. If we are giving to faith based organizations who offer food, water, clothing & shelter to those in need then we have fulfilled the command properly and no guilt needs to be felt by not handing over seed to a panhandler. UNLESS G-d specifically tells you to do it, then obviously you must. I believe that we must be careful with the seed He's entrusted to us, planting it only in soil which will cause it to multiply. Keep in mind 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
Blessings on your day as you "serve" Him!
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Permalink Reply by David on
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Shaliach - thanks for your response.
Yes the list of missed opportunities can be staggering and, yes, too many times it can be attributed to 'self focus'.
I rarely give money to anyone for the same reasons you cite. I have given food to some who are looking for help though.
What is your reason for typing 'G-d'?? I realize this is off subject but it may clarify for other folks too.
Shaliach said:Your suggestion is a wonderful one - "put G-d First", "Trust Him" which all involves the first & greatest command which is to love Him with all our heart, soul and strength and the second like it, to love others as we love ourselves. If we do those two things we will trust, have faith and serve Him effectively.
You asked 2 questions: How often are we guilty of bypassing opportunities the Master has put in front of us to serve Him? Too many to mention and many times we're entirely oblivious because of a carnal mind which is focused on "self" or the cares of the world etc...
What about those standing on the street corners or in parking lots begging for a handout? How do we handle that?
I don't give to anyone begging on the street corner, or parking lots etc... I personally have no freedom in my spirit to do so. I have seen this in my own distant family where the money was used to purchase drugs. This is not to say that no one should ever give to a panhandler because we all must do as we're instructed by Him and there are always exceptions to this issue of giving.
I believe that we are supposed to give into good ground. The majority of panhandlers are taking advantage of people's generosity and will at best misuse money for sinful vices that could have otherwise gone in to "good ground". In that case you are neither helping them or the kingdom. Scripturally, if a person is to make money, they should work for it. If unwilling to work, they should not receive handouts.
There are multiple charitable organizations that are willing to help people and who are experienced with this sort of thing where most of us are not. Many panhandlers are masterful at lying and manipulating. If we are giving to faith based organizations who offer food, water, clothing & shelter to those in need then we have fulfilled the command properly and no guilt needs to be felt by not handing over seed to a panhandler. UNLESS G-d specifically tells you to do it, then obviously you must. I believe that we must be careful with the seed He's entrusted to us, planting it only in soil which will cause it to multiply. Keep in mind 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
Blessings on your day as you "serve" Him!
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