“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When my grandmother died, the members of her church prepared lunch for my family on the day of her visitation and funeral service. Someone organized a meal and contacted church members to prepare the varied dishes that were served. Several couples and individuals set up tables in the social hall, prepared iced tea and coffee, and set out a buffet table with all of the food that had been provided. We literally didn’t have to do a thing except fill our plates. These loving servants brought beverages to our tables, picked up our dirty dishes, and stayed to clean up and take care of the leftovers after we had eaten.
Afterward, I was given a list of the people who participated. I have to tell you…it was humbling to see the names of many busy people who took time to prepare a dish, even though they work fulltime… the retirees who made a salad or baked a casserole, cake or pie, when I know they are in poor health… those who contributed in some way, even though they are caring for a loved one at home who is unwell and could probably use a covered dish themselves!
I was greatly moved by the loving gestures of people who dropped everything to stop by my grandmother’s room as she lay dying and offer us a hug. Some of them left loved ones of theirs who were not well, and others who took time out of a busy workday… just to pray with us, say a “Goodbye” to my grandmother - and to let us know how deeply they cared. Even fellow believers need nurture and encouragement… and ministry!
Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says that some of the most important ministries are the most obscure. And truly, what could share the love of Jesus better than a visit to a shut-in or someone who is sick… an anonymous donation of clothing or food to a needy family… or the subtle palming of a twenty dollar bill to someone who is down to their last dime? Which makes the bigger impact… a check written to a memorial fund that gets your name on a plaque or pulling out your wallet and paying for the groceries of the person ahead of you in the check-out line who has obviously overspent? Who is the bigger servant… the 80-year-old man who sets out tables and chairs for a luncheon to feed a grieving family – or the person who lends his/her name to committees and projects and participates in church and community events in hopes that everyone will see him/her and be impressed?
This scripture passage reminds me of people we meet along the way who ask, “How are you doing?” but never stick around for the answer. And at the end of the day, God really doesn’t care how big of a splash you made, what committees you chaired, or how much money you gave. He cares about your heart. And no amount of excuses will be good enough to justify giving Him “lip service” or serving with ulterior motives or selfish ambition.
Three things come to mind about this passage…
- God is not impressed with a show… and He does know when we are giving Him one.
- You truly can’t judge a book by its cover. Just because someone doesn’t appear to be doing anything for the LORD doesn’t mean this is the case. He/she may have actually mastered serving with humility and working in the background – and accomplishing more than most for the Kingdom of heaven!
- You can’t toss around God’s name and expect to receive a free pass. Just because you are a born-again Christian doesn’t mean you are more special than the next guy… or exempt from serving obediently wherever – and whenever God calls on you.
Where do you find yourself these days? Are you willing to do the “grunt work” for God… or do you crave the limelight? When God assesses your ministries, will He be pleased… or will you be grappling for excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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