In 1992 I made a decision that would change the course of my life. Robyn and I were involved in several areas of leadership in our local church but we had now been asked to come onto the church Pastoral staff in a full time capacity. This was not a decision we could take lightly. I had my own business that was doing very well and knew to accept this offer would seriously impact us financially as well as affecting our young family. As we contemplated this move and discussed it with family and friends some struggled to see the logic in giving away such a lucrative business to “join the cloth” as some termed it. Yet it has been a decision we have never regretted. Certainly it has brought some very difficult challenges and even heartache at times, but God had placed within us a desire to serve Him in whatever capacity He desired knowing there would be a cost involved. This unfortunately is where many Christians hesitate and draw back, perhaps unaware that they have just limited both themselves and the power of God flowing through their lives to others. I’ve seen many very talented and gifted Christians unwilling to use the treasure within them or the blessings they receive, for the benefit of others, not realizing this can be the central point of their own frustration.

John says in Revelation 1:6 that we have been redeemed and made a kingdom of Royal Priests… In order to serve God. We have not been redeemed by Jesus precious Blood in order to serve our own purposes but rather to serve His. We can never repay Jesus for what He has done for us, religion can easily put us on a quest to try and repay God which only leads to condemnation and guilt while grace enables us to rest in Jesus accomplishments. However I do believe we can live a life of thanksgiving and gratitude, and that life looks like something.

Paul says in Philippians 2:4-7 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God….made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. It is this idea of serving God with all that He has blessed us with that often causes conflict within so many. Some hoard financial blessing in the name of prosperity, others use spiritual gifts for self promotion while others sit comfortably out of fear of “burn-out” while others willingly give themselves to whatever is required. I do not doubt people’s love for Jesus and the deep desire to enjoy his fellowship with ever increasing manifest presence, yet we can never separate the person of Jesus from the purposes of Jesus. He has a plan and purpose
for our lives that is full and exciting. Throughout the Bible and history, we see those who stepped into their destiny and fulfilled that plan were those who embraced this same attitude of servant-hood that Jesus displayed. They are also those who found great fulfillment in life. We are surrounded by a world that needs a touch of heaven, we have been redeemed as priests to serve God by bringing others into an experience of finding Him and into a family who have a heart to serve one-another in community.

May Paul’s words echo in our ears and hearts. My life is not my own… for it is no longer I that live but Christ Jesus who lives his life through me.

Blessings to you all in your service to our King, Tony