First of all I haven't emailed you in a while because a lot has been happening.  It is a good thing but time has been at a premium.  I think you know what I mean...

What does it mean to be a servant?  In I Corinthians 4:1-7, Paul mentions a couple of thoughts he has concerning servants.  Servants are tempted not to be servants.  We are constantly bombarded with attacks of every shape, size and circumstance not to be a servant.  Servants are special people.  Everybody can not be a servant but it takes a special effort and passion and desire to serve.  The first temptation is to be self sufficient.  This kind of attitude won't work, " I can handle things on my own", when the number one prerequisite for being a servant is selflessness.  It is tough sometimes to trust and be vulnerable.  I face it, you face it, we all face it, but servants do it anyway.  We stick our necks out each time we try and serve.  Now remember when I say servants, I am not talking about the ministerial variety exclusively.  I am talking about a servant, anyone who dons the spirit of helps and encouragement.

The second temptation is to be all things to everybody.  God hasn't called us to be all things to all people.  I must serve where I personally am gifted.  I can serve where I am not gifted but that doesn't mean I am going to be giving my best ... it just means I want to serve and I will try and serve anyone anywhere but I should stick with my best gifts.

The last temptation is to do what we talked about last Sunday night in our men's meeting and that is to abuse our power.  Paul says it best, "We do not preach ourselves.." To lead is appropriate, good and necessary but to manipulate, control and intimidate is not of God and He will not bless that kind of attitude.  Being a servant is about being loyal and faithful, diligent, and humble.  We are only God's servants because He has blessed us with the opportunity to serve.

Servants can't control or change or fix people.

Servants can't even take credit for the unbelievable things that happen.

Servants cannot meet the expectations of every single person they influence.

Servants cannot be concerned with who gets the credit.

Servants cannot hold onto the past.

Servants cannot minister in the flesh.

Serve.with someone, don't go solo.

Serve with quality, not quantity.

Serve everyone the same regardless of who they are.

Servants serve and model Jesus the best server there ever was or will be.

Dr. Lee Singley

Pastor

Wall Highway Baptist Church