Service
The Bible
says, “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites
from among the Levites: But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things:
Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden: But they shall not go in to see
when the holy things are covered, lest they die.” Numbers 4:17-20 (KJV)
Richard
Foster, in his book Celebration of Discipline, put together a brief comparison of the characteristics of
service that is focused more upon ourselves and service that is focused more upon Christ. In paraphrased form, it becomes
a self-help test worth taking. Why not measure your clarity of vision against his conclusions?
Self-focused service
is concerned with impressive gains. It enjoys serving when the service is titanic or growing in that direction. Christ-focused service
doesn’t distinguish between small and large. It indiscriminately welcomes all opportunities to serve.
Self-focused service
requires external reward, appreciation, and applause. Christ-focused service rests content in hiddenness.
The divine nod of approval is sufficient.
Self-focused service is highly concerned about results. It becomes disillusioned
when results fall below expectations. Christ-focused service is free of the need to calculate results;
it delights only in service.
Self-focused service is affected by feelings. Christ-focused service ministers
simply and faithfully because there is a need. The service disciplines the feelings.
Self-focused service insists
on meeting the need; it demands the opportunity to help. Christ-focused service listens with tenderness
and patience. It can serve by waiting in silence.
This list offers a way to begin
refocusing our blurred image of Christ in the midst of ministry.
Daily
Chronological Bible Reading: Numbers 3-4