God Is Looking For Servants, Not Stars

God Is Looking For Servants, Not Stars

Patrick Morley

SCRIPTURE "But it is actually best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Counselor won't come. If I do go away, he will come because I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world's sin is unbelief in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the prince of this world has already been judged." John 16:7-11

SITUATION The disciples who lived and worked with Jesus, had been close friends for three years. They were saddened and afraid to hear him talk of leaving them. Jesus tried to help his friends see the bigger picture---that God had a purpose and a plan. But we also comforted them by promising to be with them through his Spirit.

OBSERVATION The Holy Spirit was sent to complete several purposes among both Believers and non-Believers, including pointing out sin and allowing people to understand truth. The Spirit always, gives glory to Jesus. That should be our goal, too.

INSPIRATION Spiritual greatness is not spiritual stardom; it is servanthood. God is looking for servants, not stars. The road to an improved contribution isn't moving up the organization; it is surrendering your motives to the Holy Spirit. Don't ask the Holy Spirit to increase your skill; ask Him to increase Christ. As Jesus becomes greater, your impact will enlarge, but because Christ is growing larger, not you.

The servant no longer wants to become a great man of God; he wants to become less. His love for the Lord Jesus becomes such an intense fire that he abandons all desire to be liked, to do a good job, to have a winning way, to be a great man of God. He loses interest in who holds, first place. He stakes out his claim on last place. His highest aim becomes for Christ to increase, for himself to decrease. (From Walking with Christ in the Details of Life by Patrick Morley)

APPLICATION Think of an area where you would like to do better or be more effective for God. The pray that the Spirit will bring glory to God through you. Ask him to show you how to be more of a servant so that Christ is more readily seen by others.

EXPLORATION Bringing Glory to Jesus -- Matthew 5:16; Mark 10:43-45; John 13:14; Romans 12:1; 15:4-6; 1 Corinthians 6:20.

The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, Max Lucado General Editor, New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers