Servants of the Lord—Servants of the Church!

Servants of the Lord—Servants of the Church!

“But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” 1 Tim. 3:10 [Emphasis added].

They are to serve in the church—not dominate and demand that others serve them. They are to hold the mystery of faith with a pure conscience, and they must rule their own house and children well. Formerly, people let themselves be called “Rabbi, Rabbi,” but now they would rather be called “Pastor, Pastor,” a title that makes them feel a head taller than their brothers. Completing a few classes at some religious institution qualifies them for this very desirable title.

What does the Scripture say? “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.” It is the same as saying, “Do not be called ‘Pastor.’”

The church, which is Christ’s body, consists of many members. All these members have their own unique characteristics and must be dealt with individually. It is not good enough merely to hold a sermon now and then for the whole congregation. Each individual must be personality exhorted, guided, borne and helped over and through difficulties. Paul exhorted everyone with tears. On those members of the body who seem less honorable, we bestow greater honor, so that there is equity.

Yet what usually happens today? The members who own the most worldly possessions, have the most worldly wisdom (which is earthly, sensual and demonic) and have earned the highest worldly positions are honored and appreciated more than the poor wretches who are valued as bodies who can fill benches, but who will never be regarded as individuals from whom the Lord can make a vessel of honor—perhaps a vessel more valuable than the rich men of this world. “But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?” James 2:6. “But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:9. It is not surprising that there is no liberty in such an atmosphere.

The primary task of a servant in the church is to help those who are oppressed, to break the yoke of bondage and to set the captives free. To do that, he must know how each individual is doing. This ministry demands humility, fairness and knowledge about the desires and needs of each individual. Someone who has received such knowledge and such a ministry considers the title “Pastor, Pastor” repulsive—an encumbrance he would rather be without.

Peter, do you love Me? Yes, Lord. Feed My lambs. Peter, do you love Me? Yes, Lord. Tend My sheep. Peter, do you love Me? Yes, Lord, You know I love You. Feed My sheep.

Because Peter loved Christ, his ministry increased, but there was one stipulation: He had to do what he did out of a love for Christ. The lambs must be fed, the sheep tended and then fed. Not all of them required the same treatment.

Only through love can you discover how to treat each individual person. Self-love only focuses on people who are rich or highly esteemed. To be someone “great” who can win other “great” people, it is necessary to become “Pastor, Pastor,” just as they were formerly called “Rabbi, Rabbi.”

The church has very little need for such “rabbis”; these “rabbis,” on the other hand, desperately need the church.

To instruct someone in the knowledge of God, you must work with a goal in mind. Even in the midst of struggles and difficulties, you must never lose sight of the goal. Everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God must be destroyed. Usually this work demands the cunning of a serpent and the simplicity of a dove. If eternal bonds of love have been knitted, however, a person can endure being broken down, especially if the servant understands to replace what has been broken down with something better.