09 23 08 REAL SERVANTS
“The greatest among you will be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12 NET)

REAL SERVANTS don’t seek the spotlight. They simply serve when a need arises. They look to help, not to be seen helping. They find their joy in bringing even just an ounce of joy to someone else. REAL SERVANTS bring the love of Christ to those who simply just can’t feel His presence in the situation in which they find themselves. REAL SERVANTS are content with quietly serving in the shadows and trusting Christ with the outcome.

Joseph (Genesis 50:18-31) is a great example. He didn’t seek notice for himself, but calmly served Potiphar, his jailer, and even Pharaoh’s baker and wine taster, and God blessed that attitude. But when Pharaoh promoted him to a position of importance, Joseph still maintained a servant’s heart, even with his brothers, who had betrayed him.

I have witnessed many Joseph’s in my lifetime: my wife, my pastor, many on our church staff, and most recently, those in ministry in the Gulf Region with the EFCA Disaster Relief. To Tamara, Pastor Bob, Pastor Dwayne, Pastor Reg, Pastor Carlos, Min. Rich, Pastor Harry, Pastor Mike, Pastor John, Scott, Emily, Sandy, John, Mark, and many more; thank you for your sacrifice for the Lord, for His will, and for showing me how to serve with humble commitment. I have seen you give time, sweat, tears, finances, and when you were worn out…you gave more. Most of the time, no one noticed. You could very easily have held positions in the public limelight, but you serve right where you are, where God has you. When the spotlight came your way, you deflected it to the One who used you. But I saw you. Most importantly, God saw you and still does. He is pleased and has rewards stored up for you!

Growing up an athlete, I must admit I had learned to seek the prize and the applause of men. It is a constant fight, now in the mission field, not to give in to the disappointments and rejection. Success is not defined the same way in ministry as it is in the world. Having such a great cloud of real-life witnesses to fall back upon, I can press on. I have been taught and shown that nothing but what I do for Christ will last. Man’s applause is but for an instant. Trophies rust and crack. Headlines fade over the years. Only what is written in the Lamb’s Book will endure. When God writes it down…it’s forever! This assurance brings confidence and excitement to my efforts.

Thank you, family and friends, for being Jesus with skin on for me. Thank your for your perseverance. Thank you for your sacrifice and obedience. Thank you for your commitment and love for the Gospel. Thank you for allowing me to see how God’s love works in action. Thank you for the legacy you are still building to leave behind. Thank you for being REAL SERVANTS! Never grow weary in doing good. May God continue to strengthen you when you’re weak, lift you when your burdens weigh you down, and give you rest when you physically are exhausted. God give you every desire of your heart as you walk faithfully with Him!