"In missionary enterprise, the great danger is that God’s call is effaced by the needs of the people until human sympathy absolutely overwhelms the meaning of being sent by Jesus." Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.
Chambers begins here... "Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you.”" (Jn 20:21). One could (and this one will) add this... "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8). So that one could conclude that we minister to men primarily because Christ sends and/or calls us to it, not because men have needs (or else Christ would have commanded slightly differently.) That is so freeing, and it resets focus from man to Christ. What is Jesus instructing, where is he sending?
If we take the same lens to Col 3:23, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." we can conclude once again that Christ should be/is the focus of ALL the activity of the faithful person. Nothing should be/is done rightly just for another person if not motivated by Christ's many commands and examples. Hence when we daily decide to deny ourselves for the service of Jesus we fully live the life of a follower, we are in act Christian. Chambers again, "The idea is to carry out His enterprise." Heavy words to a selfish man.
Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief. I desire to serve you, but help my lack of desire to serve you. I love you, but help me to love you more and me less. Lead me and help me to follow. Fill me with your Holy Spirit.
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