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LOOKING PAST THE MIRROR TEXT: MATTHEW 20:20-28 FEB 11, 2007
INTRODUCTION One of the best-selling Christian books of all time is ‘The Purpose-Driven Life’ by Rick Warren. I find this remarkable, considering the fact that the first 4 words in the book are ‘It’s not about you.’ In the church founded by Warren, Saddleback Community Church, one of their most important and visible slogans/values is this: “It’s not about me!”
When I have talked to pastors in growing churches- churches that are reaching out, trying to see new people come into the kingdom of God- I usually ask them what key moment or change happened in their church that started their growth. Almost without exception, every one of them said that one of the key factors was when the people already in the congregation made the paradigm shift from being served to serving, or self-centered to selfless humility. When the people stopped asking “What’s in it for me?” and started asking “What can I do for God and others?”
As we continue to study vision, it is critical that we understand something: God will not entrust His vision to a people who are self-centred and more concerned about their wants and comforts rather than the lost souls of people around them. It is not about making a bigger church so we look better… it is not about getting more of the stuff/style/programs we want for ourselves- it is about saying with integrity and passion- “It’s not about me!” This transition in ever-greater degrees is an absolute must in order for any church to receive and act upon God’s vision for them.
“Humble people don’t think less of themselves… they think of themselves less”- Norman Vincent Peale
HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE HAVE A SERVANT’S HEART? 1- We may gain nothing in this life… and that’s okay. Read John 13:1-17- Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. 2 Timothy 4:6- As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. When we talk about pouring ourselves out for God, it is a relinquishing not only of our lives, but the results of that sacrifice as well. As we follow God’s vision, we may not see any results immediately- or the results we are expecting/wanting. There may be 20 different expectations of how things will go, which is good for us: that way, someone will always be able to complain that nothing good happened!
Yet, while results are important- and I believe that God will bless our desire to faithfully honor and follow him- we seek God’ heart and vision for it’s own sake… not for results.
2- We may not get what we want… and that’s okay. Matthew 20:20-28- Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, will you let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one at your right and the other at your left?” But Jesus told them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” “You will indeed drink from it,” he told them. “But I have no right to say who will sit on the thrones next to mine. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.” When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” It may be a ministry program, a style of something, a ministry position that you want or have always held. In seeking God’s vision, there must be a willingness to let those things go. Some people say they want to see the church grow and be more effective in reaching the lost- as long as they don’t have to change anything!!
Galatians 5:13-14- you have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
3- We may not hear the words ‘Thank you’… and that’s okay. Others may not appreciate or respond to our service (short skit about the donation). One of the things we are trying to do better as leadership is to encourage those who serve so faithfully here in a wide variety of ways, and to let them know that their work and commitment is appreciated. As a church family, we need to grow in our willingness to show our appreciation for people for who they are and what they contribute to our fellowship.
Having said that, the reality of life is that many people don’t hear anything about their ministry or service unless they do something wrong!! If we are in the church very long- especially if we try to serve in various capacities- we discover that thick skin is a helpful asset. Colossians 3:23-24- Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.
WRAP UP… As we seek God’s vision together, there are several things that can hinder and even stop us from faithfully following God. There are numerous obstacles that we will come up against, most of which reside right here (put hand on heart) and here (point to my head).
You know, this isn’t about a new program, or even about this vision process- this is about discipleship. This is about obedience to our Lord, Jesus Christ- it’s the result of a changed heart & life. It is the working out of what Jesus said in John 13:34-35- I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
Philippians 2:1-11
Lifeboat illustration (or life-saving station?) |