SELFLESS SERVICE TRUMPS AMBITION

SELFLESS SERVICE TRUMPS AMBITION

 In the spring of 1883 two young men graduated from medical school.  The two differed from one another in both appearance and ambition.  Ben was short and stocky.  Will was tall and thin.  Ben dreamed of practicing medicine on the East Coast.  Will wanted to work in a rural community.  Ben begged his friend to go to New York where they could both make a fortune.  Will refused.  His friend called him foolish for wanting to practice medicine in the Midwest.  “But,” Will said, “I want first of all to be a effective surgeon, the very best, if I have the ability.”  Years later, the wealthy and powerful come from around the world to be treated by Will at his medical clinic...the Mayo Clinic.

 To offer genuine service to others is a priority for every Christian disciple.  Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” contrasts self-righteous service with sacrificial service: 

Self-righteous service comes through human effort.  True service comes from a relationship with God.

 Self-righteous service is impressed with the “big deal.”  True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small service from the large one.

Self-righteous service requires external rewards.  True service rests contentedly in hiddenness.

Self-righteous service is overly concerned about results.  True service is free of the need to calculate.

Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve.  True service is indiscriminate in its ministry.

Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims.  True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.

Self-righteous service is transactional and temporary.  True service is a life-style.

Self-righteous service is without sensitivity.  True service is based on genuine compassion.

Self-righteous service fractures community.  True service builds community.

What kind of service do you and I offer and how will it be evaluated by God?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!