What if Everyone Served?

For the last few days, God has really messed me up. I have been dealing with a lot about the state of RFA (Rockwall First Assembly), the family at RFA and the direction that God wants RFA to go. One of the things that has consistently come into my spirit and I have to admit it is in the area of love. One of the things that concerns me is this…RFA has become “me centric”. In other words, we worry more about our own ‘internal’ problems, complaints, preferences, and criticisms, that we forget about those on the outsides of our walls.

Let me explain it to you this way…It all started with the television show, Extreme Home Makeover. Anyone watch that? I cry every time at some point during the show. Then, I added to this, the Bible study we did about feeding a child in Thailand that my wife led at our house. Put on top of this, I started reading a book entitled, Same kind of different as me by Ron Hall. Through all this, God is getting his message through to me…at least I believe. God has been doing a number on a person who is not real compassionate. I have a hard time understanding the necessity of taking care of our neighbors…

What I am learning is this…Love is the single most crucial element in the universe. It is what God asks of us. It is what He gives us…unconditionally. It is what we hopefully can have the fortune to find in our companion, family, and friends. It is carried out through our actions or lack thereof, our words, and ultimately our finances. Love covers a multitude of things…both right and wrong.
In fact, without love, one is lost and lonely. Jesus was quizzed on the 10 Commandments by the Sadducees and Pharisees and was asked which was the greatest commandments…his answer was recorded in Matthew 22…

37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

I find it interesting that everything else in Scripture hinges on these two commandments…both have to do with love…I want to talk today about the question…What if everyone served with the same heart attitude that Christ served with? Let’s unpack that a little more today. What would that look like?

1. When I serve it best expresses the compassion of God to others.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son; that whoever shall believe in Him, will not perish but will have everlasting life. John 3:16

This type of compassion can become more of a competition if we let it. However, in competition, someone loses. That is not the case in knowing Christ…at least not for people. It is a loss for Hell. Then one day, a mother asked Jesus if her sons could sit at His right and His left in his Kingdom. The disciples were upset with the lady and Jesus knew it. He called them together and told them it was not for Him to decide rather His Father. He went on to tell them in Matthew 20..

"If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. I did not come to be served but to serve others; I came to give my life as a ransom for all." Matthew 20:26-28

God’s desire is that I’d be a contributor at my church, not just a consumer.
When you serve, it best expresses the compassion of God to others…

2. My serving is what keeps the ministries functioning properly.

Watch This is our new recruiter for servants at the church...just kidding.

"So the twelve apostles called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 6:2-4

My job is to be the servant. The pastor’s job is to be the equipper.
It is not about serving me, as your Pastor…its about serving the cause of Christ.

• When I serve it best expresses the compassion of God to others.
• My serving is what keeps His ministries functioning properly

3. When I serve, it helps me to become more established in my faith in a way nothing else can.

"God has called some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, to train the church how to serve so that they may become strong and mature in their faith." Ephesians 4:11-12

I ask why? Why did God give all of these different offices and even the one and the same offices? It’s a little thing called love. You see, when you are established in your faith, you realize that love is what covers everything.

In these past few weeks, I have come to realize that I have weaknesses that are more deep than just physical and mental weaknesses. I have spiritual weaknesses. They go deep. It hurts to see these, it is painful to experience these, it is not fun to admit these weaknesses. However, the only way that we can overcome these weaknesses is through faith in Him. Total surrender to Him. I don’t care if you have prayed a sinner’s prayer before or not, it is time for total surrender and getting back to the basics of Christ…Love for Him and love for others.

Pray: God, help us today to experience your love. Help us to realize that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Help us today to embrace your love, mercy and grace.