Serve!

Serve!

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 KJV

Today's extract is addressed to people called 'brethren', which are people linked by a common factor. They are not all the same in race, tribe or language, but there is something that has now bound them together under the same roof. They did not start off as brethren; each person came with his or her baggage, but when there was an encounter with Jesus, all the baggage was taken off and replaced by the yoke of Christ, which binds all who submit to it to the same work tools. When two oxen are yoked together, the only way they will get anything done is if they pull in the same direction. As long as any one ox feels it wants to go in a different direction, the whole purpose of the yoke is defeated. God does not place any assignment on the shoulders of any one ox, without providing another ox that will supply that which the first ox lacks. That is the essence of being called brethren - people who have found a common ground and are pulling in the same direction. 

Brethren are able to see beyond narrow, parochial interests and see what God is doing. Because they are fully submitted to Christ, he is able to direct their efforts for maximum impact. The big question then is: does Christ know who I am? Can he truly call me a part of his flock, one of his own, part of his sheepfold, one who listens and takes instruction from him, the shepherd? Forget the views of men; the applause of men who do not know their left from their right, who cannot know God's mind unless the Spirit of God directs. Why would I listen to men who will also stand for judgment, when I can seek the help of the one who judges righteously, and does not care for the views of men? That naming - being called brethren, is actually what it is - a call. Not everyone listens or heeds that call. Not everyone takes the time to listen for the call and respond the right way. Sometimes, the call comes, and you know it is from God, but the cares of this world do not allow you to focus on what is right. 

That call, as stated in today's extract, is a call to freedom as offered by God. It is not a freedom from responsibility, where I get to live as I please, or to please the natural man. God calls me out of the bondage of sin into the freedom of the Spirit. There has to be a definite past which is different from the current priorities. I cannot hold on to the same old things, and claim I am free. I cannot keep doing that which satisfies the human nature and claim that I am enjoying the liberty of the Spirit. If the Spirit of God cannot confirm to you that your current course of action pleases him, then it means that you need to check yourself before you wreck yourself. Can I say definitely that there is a change first inside of me which then impacts the outer me? It is the height of hypocrisy to be so focused on outer impressions and not on inner convictions. I have to get this right if my life will be one that can be used by God. If he cannot trust my heart, then he cannot trust me with his gifts and his Spirit. 

That is the essence of the last part of today's extract. Brethren are not concerned first about themselves, but about other people. Brethren do not push themselves forward as the best version of anything, but allow love be the guiding principle of all they do. Love says that the other person is better, but if I am called to do it, I will do it to the best of my ability, depending on the grace and strength of the God who gives strength and provides the help required for success. After all, the work I seek to do is not of my own inspiration, but is of the inspiration of God. If he inspired it, he will provide the resources required to accomplish it. If he did not inspire it, it does not matter how many people come together to push that thing; it will always end up in failure. Who is inspiring my present pursuits? Who is the life blood behind that which I am currently doing? It is important to be sure, because God's reward is not tied to just activity for activity sake, but for service done with love, which is God's nature. 

Are you serving out of love or out of a sense of duty? Are you doing what you do now because someone told you it would fit you? Do you get easily irritated when people get on your nerves even while you are 'working for God?' Maybe it is time to do a honest review of your walk with God and be sure that he is the one providing the guidance on the path that you are on. Remember - the work is His. The field of ministry is His. The audience is His. The message is His. The hearts and ears that will receive are His. What then do I get to bring - just a heart that is surrendered to God totally, willing to learn, ready to hear and ready to obey. That is the group of people referred to as brethren. Are you one? Am I? His time of favour is here.