| Original Date: November 11, 2009 |
| Email Subject: Qualities to live by..... |
Dear Friends,
Many years ago as a young Christian we would sing a song at church with these words, "Make me a servant humble and free,"(now I know you are grateful that you did not hear my voice with these words today, but it is the words that were quite meaningful). The more I have pondered these words the more I realize that when I became a Christian I took on the mantle of servanthood, because that is the model of our Lord. I then have a choice each and every day on weather to take up that mantle and make this quality a daily part of my life, in other words I believe being a servant is a choice that we make as Christ followers. I have to admit, I enjoy when others wait on me, serve me, take care of my needs, but that is not what Christ modeled nor challenged us as disciples to be, we are to follow His example as a servant of the most High God!
I was struck by 2 Timothy 2:24 this week in dealing with this whole choice of being a servant and the qualities that must come forth from my life as a Christ follower. From the New Living Translation we read, "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people." Then vs. 25 says, "Gently instruct those who oppose the truth." I am the first to admit this is hard, but so essential as Christ followers to see flow forth from our life, these are true qualities of a servant. Note the list:
-A servant does not quarrel---so many of us like to argue this or that, earlier in the text we are warned about getting involved with foolish, ignorant arguments, servants don't allow this.
-A servant is kind to all---note it does not say some, but "all." Even those who we might not enjoy being around, showing them the kindness Christ showed us.
-A servant teaches people---first by their life's example and then by truth from the word of God flowing from our mouth.
-A servant is patient---Now I have to admit, this is pretty hard for this driven personality. But the longer I live the more essential I see this fruit of the Spirit to be in training people. To many I see want to see things happen a few seconds ago, instead of being patient and letting God mature the person.
-A servant gently instructs those who oppose the truth. Wow, now the word "gently" is not often named amongst people who are confronting those who oppose the truth, but so vital in dealing with those who don't know Christ.
Friends these five qualities are choices aren't they? They are choices that each of us as Christ followers can and must make as we represent Jesus Christ in this difficult world we live in. He modeled this kind of lifestyle and He deserves this kind of lifestyle from His followers.
Have a good day my friend. By the way, one of the ways we say "Thank you" to the Lord is to live like Him!
Your friend,
Pastor Doug |
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