Christian Service

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 9
During Paul’s voyage described in Acts 27, he said,
“There stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.” (Verse 23) Again he says,
Meditating upon the above scriptures we cannot fail to realize that with all the blessings that come to us as the children of God, there comes also a responsibility. A servant’s place is to please his master—not himself.
As children, loved with a love unspeakable, we should respond with willing service.
If exercised in regard to this question we will find many opportunities for serving God. Any service done to a fellow-member of the body of Christ, in His name, is a service to God Himself.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister.” Hebrews 6:1010For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Hebrews 6:10).
“For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also, by many thanksgivings, unto God.” 2 Corinthians 9:1212For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; (2 Corinthians 9:12).
The words in Matthew 25:4040And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40), “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me,” are not directly applicable to us in the present dispensation. They will be spoken after the Church is taken away, to those who, during the time of tribulation, have befriended the Jews. But the principle holds, true now, and any loving service, done for the Lord’s sake, to one of His own, is very precious to His heart, and ascends as a sweet odor of incense.
The gifts sent by the Philippians to Paul (Phil. 4:1818But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)), are spoken of as “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.”
A service to a member of the body of Christ is, through that member, a service to Christ Himself.
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:1010As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10).
“Be not forgetful of hospitality; (N.T.) for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:22Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2).
But just as truly as we rejoice the heart of the Lord by showing kindness to one of His own, we cause Him pain by acts of unkindness.
When Paul was arrested, (Acts 9), in his persecution of the disciples, the Lord said to him,
“I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Let us not grieve the heart of that blessed One by causing pain to the fellow-members of His body.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”
Thus one’s own will is kept under, and the will of God becomes supreme. The vanities of this world lose their attraction and the renewed mind finds its delight in the divine perfections.
The Lord rejoices in a faith and subjection that desires naught but His perfect will.