On Serving Christ
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:11). As Lord, Jesus Christ is the Master of His slaves (Eph 6:6). He bought them with His precious blood (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet 1:19), and Christians are the people of God’s own possession (1 Pet 2:9). We belong to Him (1 Cor 3:23).
Jesus Christ left this earth to occupy His rightful place on the throne of God (Ps 110:3; Rev 7:17). He promised His followers that He would return to earth again in the future (Mt 24; Mk 13; Lk 21). At that time, all things will be revealed, all things will be judged and separated (Mt 25:32).
Between the first and second advent of Christ, He has sent his Spirit to call in His elect people from every nation (Rom 8:30; 2 Tim 2:10, 19; Rev 5:9), to gather them into the church (Mt 16:18). Like a wheat harvest, there are tares in the mix. This is the case in every generation.
When an elect soul becomes a saint (Mt 3:11; Jn 3:1–8; 1 Pet 1:3), by God’s grace (Eph 2:8–9), he begins to serve Christ, His Master. The Christian is no longer a slave to sin, serving sin (Rom 6:6). The Christian is entirely submitted to her Lord (Jas 4:7). She must learn, who her Master is and what is required of her (2 Pet 3:18). Her objective is to be found faithful (Gal 5:22).
Christ conscripts us, and we are constrained by love to labor as unto the Lord (2 Cor 5:14; 1 Thess 1:3). God is our Maker and everything we have for life and ministry is from Him (Rom 11:36). He has designed us for His purposes, especially the believer, who has position and abilities from the Lord (Rom 12; 1 Cor 12; Eph 4).
Positions may vary in the body of Christ, with some members given more responsibility. We remember that the greatest among us is the servant of all (Mt 23:11). Christian labor is not drudgery, regardless of the assigned task. Our work, created beforehand in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10), is a labor of love because it is all of grace (1 Thess 1:3). This means it is Christ in us (Gal 2:20), willing and working His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). He accomplishes all our works for us (Ps 57:2; 138:8; Is 26:12).
Abilities may also vary between the saints. God gives gifts to His people, to use in their Spirit-directed service (Prv 3:5–6; Eph 4:8). God gives His people the desires of their heart to serve Him, because He is the sire, who planted the seed of life and caused each born again believer to be regenerated to new life (Jn 3:1–8; Eph 2:5; Col 2:13; 1 Pet 1:3).
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13), who indwells each adopted child of God (Eph 1:5; Rom 8:9, 11, 15, 23), there is a task or tasks to be done in the kingdom of God. The pleasure of participating in kingdom building work, demonstrates that service to Christ and His church is a high privilege.
Feelings of inadequacy often accompany Christian service (2 Cor 3:5), and it must be acknowledged that we are all unprofitable servants (Lk 17:10). Success in the Christian life and ministry can be elusive. Still, it is God who gives the increase, so we press on, in faith, toward our high calling and the mark set by Christ (Phil 3:14). Our passion, come what may, is to be found faithful (Mt 25:21, 23).
It is impossible, and certainly not advised, to judge the field nor the achievements of other Christian laborers. The Lord knows those who are His (2 Tim 2:19), and He is at work in them (Gal 2:20). He is sanctifying each of His slaves (Jn 17:17; Rom 15:16; 1 Thess 4:3; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2), causing them to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). Whereas, men look at the outward appearance and judge the performance of another, God judges His own performance in the heart of the saint (1 Sam 16:7).
The reward for serving Christ, while waiting for His return, is increased hope and anticipation (Phil 1:20; Col 1:27; 1 Thess 1:3). This is how suffering enhances our service (Col 1:24). Joy is set before us (Jas 1:3), and we endure the crosses assigned to us to bear (Mt 16:24). Denying ourselves, we take up our allotment of talents and work with them to promote the kingdom of God. This includes our God-given positions, God-given abilities, and God-given opportunities.
Christian, the day of the Lord is near (Is 13:6; Rev 22:7, 12). Let us not be found lazy, prideful, envious, or bitter in serving our King. His reward is with Him (Is 62:11; Heb 11:6), and the foretaste of His goodness will manifest eternal joy when we hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Therefore, be zealous for good works as you wait on Him.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
December 14, 2021
