Thoughtful Things

As a small child, I can remember my mother carrying me to the church on many occasions to work on some event or fundraiser we had going on that time. Most of my memories are associated with church and church family. I grew up in a smaller church that required everyone to help even the smaller children if possible. I have helped make peanut brittle, lunches, sold candy, cleaned the church etc.. you name it we have done it! And what stands out to me most, is that we were able to build 2 brand new churches, that were debt free, all because a church family and pastor had a servants heart and were willing to work for whatever cost to see God’s kingdom glorified! We were granted so many blessings that I cannot begin to tell it all.

I thank God every day for my mother and father who “made” me go and participate in all church events, fundraisers and prayer meetings. And because of this, I now have a servant’s heart and this also prepared me for what I am today. WOW! What a blessing! Parents do not give your children the option to come to prayer meeting, fundraisers, youth service etc..”make” them go they will thank you for it when they are grown and have children of their own.

The definition of Servant: a person in the service of another; retainer, handmaid, handmaiden.

The word “servant” does not strike a popular cord among most of us. Yet, being a servant is exactly what Jesus came to do. Matthew 20:28 NKJV “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus did not make his own decisions, he was told what to do and when to do it. Jesus was obedient to His Father’s plan. We, too, should consider following his example.

A true servant has a heart of gold. Someone who looks out for the interests of others, who goes beyond what most would do to help in time of need, who obey those that are in authority and works diligently for the kingdom of God is considered a servant. A servant listens to his master(Pastor) and follows directions well because in the end he/she knows the master(Pastor)is usually right and the master’s (Pastor)directions and guidance are led by God and come from much prayer and fasting.

Ephesians 6:5 “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ” One thing I have noticed in today’s society is that there are few people that still possess a servant’s heart. So many are consumed with their own live, they do not make the time to be a servant to others. There are some that are learning and striving to obtain that goal while others will not even consider to be called a “servant” as it might “belittle” their reputation. Opps...that was not easy to say but very true. There are so many people today that want to reap the rewards of the harvest, but are not willing to labor for the harvest.

It reminds me of the story about the little chicken that wanted help planting the seed, working the garden, sowing the wheat, baking the bread and yet everyone was too busy to help in the process...However, when the time came to eat the bread everyone wanted to come and eat.

That is the same as it is today in working for the kingdom of God, you have those with a servants heart that works and labors tirelessly and then there are those who are not willing to work in the field. We all want to reap the reward of heaven someday and the field is rip unto to harvest, but he laborers are few.

The Bible tells us that all efforts are rewarded even if some are greater than others; Ephesians 6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Matthew 20:1-16 (King James Version) And just like in the parable above we all are laboring for the kingdom of God and some labor harder and longer than others; we may not see that reward here on earth, but one day when God calls His church home we will be rewarded accordingly.

1 Corinthians 3:8 “and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

The most important part of that parable or verse of scripture to me is the very last verse; it says “for many be called, but few are chose.” I want to be in that chosen few don’t you? So I pray that God would create in me a Servant’s heart willing to do His will and go wherever He wants me to go. The reward may not be here on earth but I know that the ultimate reward is heaven someday.

I encourage you to please make yourself available and allow God to use you in whatever aspect it may be; cleaning toilets, washing dishes, teaching Sunday School, teaching Bible studies, keeping the nursery, cleaning the church, mowing the grass, door knocking, helping someone in need, praying, fasting, singing, playing an instrument, preaching, teaching, gifts of the spirit, ect.. the list can go on and on and on, but most of all, do it with a servants heart and God will reward you for it someday. Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; Please come and visit The Family Church 9456 Hwy 146 N Liberty, TX (Hardin, TX ) or facebook live @tfchardin.