What Does Following Christ Cost? / Chuck Swindoll

What Does Following Christ Cost?

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Luke 9:23

Can you recall Jesus's radical philosophy of being a servant to others? The basis of that statement is tucked away in His words:

He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

Following Christ as His disciple is a costly, unselfish decision. It calls for a radical examination of our self-centered lifestyles. Whew! That's one of those easy things to say but tough to carry out.

Let's see if I can break this down into smaller bite-sized chunks so we don't gag on it. When you look closely at Jesus's statement, a couple of things seem important. First, those who desire to follow Him closely must come to terms with self-denial. And second, this decision to give ourselves to others (taking up our cross) has to be a dailymatter.

That's costly stuff. Terribly expensive.

If we take His words seriously, then it isn't difficult to see some questions that we must ask and answer ourselves, like:

• Am I serious about being a close follower of Jesus Christ?
• Do I think of others to such an extent that self-denial is becoming the rule rather than the exception in my life?
• Is my walk with Him a daily thing?

 

Servants Give Generously / Chuck Swindoll

Servants Give Generously

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:2–3

The Christians in the Macedonian churches were servants who gave to the needs of the believers in Jerusalem, giving anonymously, in fact. When Paul wrote of them to the Corinthian church, he also mentioned something else about those Macedonian servant-saints:

In a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord. (2 Corinthians 8:2–3)

When they gave, they "overflowed" in the process. They liberally and sacrificially gave "beyond their ability." I love the way Paul wrote that. Their giving dripped with sacrificial generosity. There wasn't a tightwad among them. How refreshing!

Now, as we apply this passage to the way true servants give, let's understand that the giving involved is much broader than money. That's for sure. It includes giving ourselves . . . our time and energy, our care and compassion, even our belongings on occasion. What a need there is for this trait within the ranks of humanity today! And yet, how rare it is!

We clutch our possessions so tightly that we live most of our adult lives with white knuckles. I often wonder why. We certainly can't take any of it with us. I've never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul! 

Servants Give Anonymously / Chuck Swindoll

 Servants Give Anonymously

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Matthew 6:3; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5

When Paul made his way through Europe, specifically the region of ancient Macedonia, he announced to the churches in that area the financial need of the church in Jerusalem. What adds to the significance of the whole episode is that Macedonia was already an economically depressed area. Macedonia was to Paul like one of our most economically depressed regions today. It would be like encouraging the poorest people in one country to send money to those who are hurting in another poor region. That kind of appeal would sound strange to us today.

But the most remarkable fact of all is this: They did! Those financially deprived Macedonian believers were so concerned over their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem who did not have sufficient money to make ends meet, they really gave. Look closer and see just how extensively they did it.

Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:1–5)

What a tremendous section of Scripture! Those Christians demonstrated authentic servanthood in their giving. When we give as a servant gives, the same things are true in us.

I like that not one specific church is mentioned, simply "the churches of Macedonia." Not even one individual is highlighted. No statues of bronze were later erected in Jerusalem, no names of super saints chiseled in marble or recorded in some book for others to ooh and ahh over. A great proof of true servanthood is anonymity(Matthew 6:3).

When we practice the art of unselfish living, we prefer to remain anonymous. In fact, most of the people I know who possess a servant's heart are greatly embarrassed when their names are put up in lights.

Three Basic Ingredients of Servanthood / Chuck Swindoll

 Three Basic Ingredients of Servanthood

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:3–4

The Word of God lays a solid, biblical foundation for what it means to have a servant mentality. But let's get some handles on what's involved in pulling it off.

For starters, let me suggest three basic ingredients of servanthood: giving, forgiving, and forgetting. Two key passages come to mind:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3–4)

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

Once you and I make up our minds to implement the truth of Philippians 2:3–4 (taking a special interest in others) and Galatians 5:13 (serving others in love), these three basics will begin to emerge.

Instead of always thinking about receiving, we'll start looking for ways to give. Instead of holding grudges against those who offend us, we'll be anxious to forgive. And instead of keeping a record of what we've done or who we've helped, we'll take delight in forgetting the deed(s) and being virtually unnoticed. Our hunger for public recognition will diminish in significance.

Giving, forgiving, and forgetting . . . as a servant of Jesus Christ, which of these three do you need to apply most today?

Humility and Inferiority / Chuck Swindoll

 Humility and Inferiority

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11

Having "humility of mind" is really an attitude, isn't it? It's a preset mentality that determines ahead of time thoughts like this:

"I care about those around me."

"Why do I always have to be first? I'm going to help someone else win for a change."

"Today, it's my sincere desire to curb my own fierce competitive tendencies and turn that energy into encouraging at least one other person."

"I willingly release my way this day. Lord, show me how You would respond to others, then make it happen in me."

Now, before we get neck deep into this unselfish lifestyle, we need to determine if it is, in fact, promoted in Scripture. Does the Bible come right up front and encourage living like this? I'll let you determine the answer. As you examine these few New Testament passages, read them slowly . . . and don't skip one line!

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (Romans 12:10)

For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

Those words (there are many others) have a rare ring to them, don't they? In fact, some who read those verses might misunderstand and think I'm advocating inferiority. For your sake, a couple more biblical passages are needed:

For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles . . . . I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. (2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11)

There's the balance we're looking for. Authentic humility in no way should be confused with incompetence or lack of self-esteem. As a matter of fact, it is doubtful that anyone who wrestles with an unhealthy self-image can correctly and adequately give to others.

Inferiority and unselfishness cannot coexist.

A Christmas Masterpiece / Chuck Swindoll

A Christmas Masterpiece

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: John 3:16

Before time began, God had in His mind's eye a masterpiece—a beautiful picture of grace that His beloved Son, the second person of the Trinity, would illustrate with His life.

Even before the breathtaking splendor of creation, God sketched out His plan for His perfect fellowship with humanity. But not long after He had splashed color on the landscape, the deep, dark shadows of man's rebellious choice to live independently of His grace obscured the beauty of God's work. Coal black, pitch darkness enveloped the scene, and all creation hung in suspense of what God would do.

How could God redeem His masterpiece? What could rescue us, the pitiful portraits in whom breathed God's breath?

Then, with a heart weeping for His people, God dipped His brush in Calvary's scarlet ink, wrote His message on a rough wooden banner, and pinned it against an empty sky for all the world to read. Bold, crimson words: "I love you."

This is the message of Christmas: Because He loves us, God has come to redeem us—to bring life and color back to our lives, to expel the darkness of our hearts and from our world.

On a rescue mission designed by His Father before time began, Jesus silently slipped into our world, breathed our air, felt our pain, became acquainted with our sorrows, suffered and died for our sins . . . to show us the way out of our darkness and into His glorious light.

This Christmas, may you know the warmth of the Savior's love spreading over you as you never have before. May the beauty of the season remind you of His intense concern for every detail of your life and His great, sacrificial love for you.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Insight for Living Ministries. 

Coming In from the Cold / Chuck Swindoll

 Coming In from the Cold

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Luke 2:10-11

Christmas comes each year to draw people in from the cold.

Like tiny frightened sparrows, shivering in the winter cold, many live their lives on the barren branches of heartbreak, disappointment, and loneliness, lost in thoughts of shame, self-pity, guilt, or failure. One blustery day follows another, and the only company they keep is the fellow-strugglers who land on the same branches, confused and unprotected.

We try so hard to attract them into the warmth. Week after week church bells ring. Choirs sing. Preachers preach. Lighted churches send out their beacon. But nothing seems to bring in those who need warmth the most.

Then, as the year draws to a close, Christmas offers its wonderful message. Immanuel. God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn't come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety . . . . 

So, this Christmas season I pray that the warmth of the Savior's love will spread itself over you as never before. And that whenever and however possible, you will keep reminding yourself that there are still tiny, shivering sparrows who are too terrified to come in from the cold. Maybe, just maybe, this Christmas, because of something you do or say . . . they will. 

The Servant as a Giver / Chuck Swindoll

 The Servant as a Giver

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Philippians 2:3–4

I like the tongue-in-cheek definition of philosophers one of my seminary professors would occasionally use. It's classic:

Philosophers are people who talk about something they don't understand and make you think it's your fault!1

Lots of philosophies are floating around, and most of them are more confusing than they are helpful. Interestingly, those that are clear enough to be understood usually end up focusing full attention on the individual. Consider a few of them:

Education says, "Be resourceful; expand yourself!"
Psychology says, "Be confident; assert yourself!"
Religion says, "Be good; conform yourself!"
Epicureanism says, "Be sensuous; enjoy yourself!"
Materialism says, "Be satisfied; please yourself!"
Pride says, "Be superior; promote yourself!"
Humanism says, "Be capable; believe in yourself!"
Philanthropy says, "Be generous; release yourself!"

Yourself, yourself, yourself. We're up to here with self! Do something either for yourself or with yourself or to yourself. How very different from Jesus's model and message! He offers rather a fresh and much-needed invitation to our "me-first" generation. Jesus says, in effect, "Be a servant . . . give to others!" (Mark 10:45). Now that's a philosophy anybody can understand. And, without question, it is attainable. Just look:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3–4)

Know what all that means? Well, for starters, "nothing" means just that. Stop permitting two strong tendencies—selfishness and conceit—to control you! Let nothing that either of these words suggests win a hearing. Replace "selfishness" and "conceit" with "humility of mind."

But how? By regarding others as more important than yourself. Look for ways to support, encourage, build up, and stimulate the other person.

And that requires an attitude that would rather give than receive.

Maneuvering for Me / Chuck Swindoll

 Maneuvering for Me

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Matthew 20:26–28

I'll never forget a trip I took with my older son to shoot the rapids at the Rogue River in Oregon. While we were receiving instructions from the guide (there were about fifteen of us in the entire group), I began to study the canoes with my eyes. Some were old and worn, but a few were new. Being selfish, I wanted Curt and me to get the new ones . . . so I whispered in his ear: 

"Curt, start moving over to the left." 
"Why?"
"Just do as I say, son. The two canoes on the end are new. Let's get 'em."

He cooperated. And we got two of the new ones. I handled it so smoothly, nobody even knew it. The older ones were just as good . . . but they were old. 

After canoeing, on the way back to our campsite, all fifteen of us were packed like sardines in this old van. All of a sudden, BOOM! A blowout. All our gear had to come out to get to the spare tire. And then that beast of a van had to be jacked up. It was a hot, dirty job. Guess who directed traffic instead of helping to change the tire? As I recall, not one car passed us on that country road during the entire episode.

Why did I do it? Because I'm selfish, plain and simple.

Now, let me tell you the worst part of it all, and it's with embarrassment I do so. It was not until the next day that it dawned on me that I was being selfish in any of this. Talk about a blind spot! And to make matters worse, I was teaching my son to be selfish too!At this rate, in a couple of more years, he would have had it down pat.

You see, I learned a lot about looking out for self in school; I perfected it in the Marine Corps; and I developed ways to pull it off with real finesse in seminary, learning to be a minister. Hey, this is the profession where a guy can get away with it and hardly ever be criticized for it . . . even though we should! But who in the world is going to point a finger at a man of the cloth? Who's willing to touch "God's anointed" (our favorite title) and risk an advanced case of leprosy?

Like you, I caught the disease of selfishness from Adam. No person has ever lived on this earth completely free of this dreaded plague—except One. That's right, ever since Adam, only God's virgin-born Son has had immunity from contamination with sin. He did no sin, knew no sin, had no sin. Being sinless, He lived like no other man ever lived. He spoke as no other man ever spoke. And as that unique Teacher, He cut a new swath. He gave directions that had never been given before by any instructor:

"Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26–28)

The Origin of Self/ Chuck Swindoll

The Origin of Self

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Genesis 2:25–3:7

It's been my experience that before I can fully conquer any problem, I need to understand the problem as well as possible, especially its origin.

To do that with "self," we must go back, way back, to that ancient scene pictured for us in the second and third chapters of Genesis: the garden of Eden. What a super spot! Beautiful beyond description, a perfect, pollution-free atmosphere, luxurious foliage, fragrant flowers, crystal-clear water—that garden would make Tahiti look like a pigsty by comparison.

And on top of all the physical beauty, there was absolute innocence. No sin. Which means that Adam and Eve had a relationship that was free of hang-ups. The last verse in Genesis 2 verifies that: "And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed" (Genesis 2:25).

Naked. Laid bare. Open. Not just physically but emotionally as well. That explains why they were not ashamed. The Hebrew construction suggests they were not ashamed "with one another." There was this remarkable openness, a lack of self-consciousness in each other's presence. Talk about the ideal marriage! Their discussions, their actions, their entire existence were non-defensive, unguarded, and absolutely unselfish.

How could it be? No sin. Therefore, no selfishness. Until . . . You guessed it.

Enter the Devil with his alluring offer, and exit innocence with its pleasurable benefits (Genesis 3:1–6). And the result? 

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. (3:7)

Don't miss what that says about their eyes. They were opened. There was a sudden, shocking realization they were naked. Seems amazing to us, doesn't it? You and I couldn't be more aware of those times when we are naked. Just a half-opened zipper makes us blush. 

But remember the difference. Suddenly, those two became self-conscious. They'd never known those feelings before. You and I have never known anything else. 

What we read here in the Genesis account is the origin of self-awareness, self-concern, and selfishness. And it all started with willful sin. 

Three Realms of True Success / Chuck Swindoll

 Three Realms of True Success

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 1 Peter 5:5–7

Yesterday, we looked at the apostle Peter's three crucial realms related to true success: authority, attitude, and anxiety. Let's translate those realms into practical principles. You could think of them in steps, one building upon another.

First, submit yourself to those who are wise (1 Peter 5:5). Listen to their counsel, be accountable and open to their reproofs, accept their suggestions, respect their seasoned years, and follow their model. 

Second, humble yourself under God's mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6). In the Old Testament, God's hand symbolizes two things: His discipline and His deliverance. When we humble ourselves under His hand, wanting Him to grant us His kind of success in His own time and way, we willingly accept His discipline as being for our good and His glory, and we gratefully acknowledge His deliverance by whatever means He chooses. In other words, we refuse to manipulate circumstances or maneuver people or massage our own image by some promotional scheme. We let God be God.

Third, throw yourself on the mercy and care of God (1 Peter 5:7). Anxieties will come. Count on it! Troubles and disappointments will appear; fears and worries will build up, leaving you weary and depressed. So, what should you do? Throw them back on the Lord! Cast your burdens—your anxieties—on Him, because He cares for you.

This scriptural game plan is completely out of sync with today's promote-yourself propaganda. But when God is in charge, both the timing and the extent of whatever success He may have in mind for you will be surprising. This does not mean there is no place for planning or goal-setting or diligence; it just means we refuse to make success our private shrine. When God is in it, we're surprised at it rather than smug about it.

Instead of spending all those hours pushing and promoting, we'll wind up with more time for friends and family. And the Lord will even grant you some time for yourself, plus a few extra hours to go fishing!

Seems almost too good to be true, doesn't it? It isn't.

The Forgotten Side of Success / Chuck Swindoll

 The Forgotten Side of Success

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 1 Peter 5:5–7

Maybe we should confess that one reason we find it so hard to set selfishness aside and adopt the spirit of a servant is that we're driven by dreams of success. We want to be winners.

Face it; we live in a success-saturated society. Right next to the books applauding our selfishness are dozens of bestsellers telling us how we can be more successful. Dozens of books and magazines every year, along with scores of DVDs and hundreds of seminars, offer new ideas and new motivation techniques that have the promise of prosperity. Success is big business. No wonder thinking like servants is so hard.

Curiously, however, few ever address what most folks want (but seldom find) in their pursuit of success: contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction, and relief. On the contrary, the roads that are supposed to lead to success are not only rocky; they're maddening. As the Executive's Digest once reported, "The trouble with success is that the formula is the same as the one for a nervous breakdown."

And what formula is that? Work longer hours, push ahead, let nothing hinder your quest—not your marriage or family, not your convictions or conscience, not your health or friends. Be aggressive and, if necessary, mean, as you press toward the top. You gotta be smart, slick, and sly if success is the bottom line of your agenda. It's the same old fortune-fame-power-pleasure line we've been fed for decades.

At the risk of sounding ultra-simplistic, I'd like to offer some counsel that stands 180 degrees in contrast to all the above. My suggestions will never appear in the Wall Street Journal or as part of the Harvard Business School curriculum, but they do represent a philosophy supported in Scripture.

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5–7)

These verses address three crucial realms related to true success: authority, attitude, and anxiety. And the best part of all is this: following God's directives will bring the one benefit not found in the world's empty promises—a deep sense of lasting satisfaction. 

It's what we could call the forgotten side of success. And I would add that it is the success that will come to those who wish to develop the heart of a servant.

I, Me, Mine, Myself / Chuck Swindoll

 I, Me, Mine, Myself

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Philippians 2:20–21

I
ME
MINE
MYSELF

Those four words stood out in bold print.

They appeared as if they were forming an enormous monument, each letter seemingly chiseled out of granite. At the base of this strange "monument" were hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people with their arms held up high, as if worshiping at a shrine. And then, in very small letters, this caption appeared at the bottom of the editorial cartoon: "Speaking of American cults . . . "

Surrounding the borders of this picture were four familiar lines from well-known commercials:

"Have it your way."

"Do yourself a favor."

"You owe it to yourself."

"You deserve a break today."1

Jab, jab. Twist, twist. That kind of stuff really hurts. Because it is so terribly true. Yet, we constantly applaud the I-me-mine-myself philosophy in subtle as well as overt ways. We make books on the subject of selfishness bestsellers by buying them by the millions. We put the gifted on a pedestal and secretly (if not publicly) worship at their shrine. And we make every effort to "look out for number one" at all cost.

Let's admit it; ours is an age of gross selfishness. The "me" era. And we get mighty uncomfortable even when God begins to make demands on us.

Of course, our inner "self" doesn't want to dump God entirely, just to keep Him at a comfortable distance. Just enough to keep our guilt level below the threshold of pain, just enough to guarantee escape from eternal flames. But certainly not enough to make us nervous . . . to start pushing around our prejudices or nit-picking at our lifestyles. After all, this business of wholesale commitment to the cause of Christ needs to be kept in proper bounds! 

How refreshing to read what Paul wrote to the church in Philippi about young Timothy: 

For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:20–21)

I . . . ME . . . MINE . . . MYSELF. Aren't you glad Jesus didn't cling to those values?

Absolute Honesty / Chuck Swindoll

 Absolute Honesty

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 2:3–4

Let's think about an essential mark of servanthood: integrity . . . or absolute honesty.

Remember these words?

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 4:1–2)

And how about these? 

For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:3–4)

There really isn't much to add, is there? Honesty has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it . . . as do servants of God. No ulterior motives. No hidden meanings. An absence of hypocrisy, duplicity, political games, and verbal superficiality.

As honesty and real integrity characterize our lives, there will be no need to manipulate others. We'll come to the place where all the substitutes will turn us off once we cultivate a taste for the genuine, the real.

I'm far from through, but this is enough for one sitting. We need to put it on the back burner and let it simmer for a while. Before going on with the rest of your day, take time to give some thought to your own life. 

Think about becoming more of a servant . . . think of characteristics like transparent humanity and genuine humility and absolute honesty. Being real—that's what I want to get across—being who you really are and then allowing the Lord God to develop within you a style of serving that fits you.

Genuine Humility / Chuck Swindoll

Genuine Humility

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 1 Corinthians 2:4–5

When we think of what the great apostle Paul was like, the idea of humility isn't the first one that jumps into our minds. Consider his own admission:

My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4–5)

Now for a preacher, that's quite a comment. The man comes up front and declares not only his lack of persuasiveness but his reason why—that they might not be impressed with his ability but rather with God's power.

There's something very authentic in Paul's humility. Over and over we read similar words in his writings. I'm convinced that those who were instructed face-to-face by the man became increasingly more impressed with the living Christ and less impressed with Paul. 

When people follow image-conscious leaders, the leader is exalted. He is placed on a pedestal and ultimately takes the place of the head of the church.

But when people follow leaders with servant hearts, the Lord God is exalted. Those people speak of God's person, God's power, God's work, God's name, God's Word . . . all for God's glory.

Let me suggest a couple of revealing tests of humility: 

1. A non-defensive spirit when confronted. This reveals a willingness to be accountable. Genuine humility operates on a rather simple philosophy:

Nothing to prove.
Nothing to lose. 

2. An authentic desire to help others. I'm referring to a sensitive, spontaneous awareness of needs. A true servant stays in touch with the struggles others experience. There is that humility of mind that continually looks for ways to serve and to give.

In short, when it is genuine, humility becomes a conduit for the power of God. 

A Model Servant / Chuck Swindoll

 A Model Servant

by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:5

I'll be honest; I am not very concerned about which form of church government your church may embrace. However, I am immensely interested that everyone involved in that ministry (whether a leader or not) sees herself or himself as one who serves . . . and one who gives.

It's the attitude that is most important.

Perhaps the finest model, other than Christ Himself, was that young Jew from Tarsus who was radically transformed from a strong-willed official in Judaism to a bond servant of Jesus Christ—Paul. What a remarkable change, what a remarkable man!

It's possible you have the notion that the apostle Paul rammed his way through life like a fully loaded battleship at sea. Blasting and pounding toward objectives, he was just too important to worry about the "little people" or those who got in his way. After all, he was Paul!

I must confess that caricature is not too far removed from my original impression of the man in my early years as a Christian. He was, in my mind, the blend of a Christian John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and a Marine Corps drill instructor. I mean—Sir, yes sir!—he got things done! 

But that false impression began to fade when I made an in-depth study of Paul—his style, his own self-description, even his comments to various churches and people as he wrote to each one. I discovered that the man I had thought was the prima donna par excellence considered himself quite the contrary. Almost without exception, he began every piece of correspondence with words to this effect: "Paul, a servant . . . " or "Paul, a bond-slave . . . ."

The more I pondered those words, the deeper they penetrated. This man—the one who certainly could have expected preferential treatment or demanded a high-and-mighty role of authority over others—referred to himself most often as a "servant" of God (see 2 Corinthians 4:5). Amazing. He was indeed an apostle, but he conducted himself and carried himself as a servant. 

I find this extremely refreshing. What a model Paul was.