Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Remaining a Faithful Servant
“And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:27-28
The topic of Post-modern Christianity has gained a lot of focus among pastors, theologians, and older Christians. Many new issues have arisen in today’s churches, emotional insecurities, depression, anxiety, the failure to study the Bible, embracing prosperity messages, and not giving tithe and offerings. Yet, the problems among today’s believers are much deeper than the obvious.
Imagine speaking with a couple of new believers who tell you that they feel alone and confused since becoming Christians. You listen attentively, repeat a couple of encouraging scriptures [God’s promises] and they give you a blank stare. “Do you study the Bible?” They hesitate and answer, “Not really.”
I watched a testimonial of a woman, in her mid-forties who heard about Christ on social media. She decided to give her heart to Jesus, purchased a Bible, and began looking for a church home. As she began researching the various denominations, she narrowed her focus to three. The church she chose was not Bible-based, but it fit her lifestyle.
Trending among Christians is a sense of entitlement. We desire convenience and fast service which has led to the post-modern term–the microwave society. Family dinners are eaten at restaurants or ordered online for delivery. The preference to stay home and watch virtual services has caused a downward spiral in family bonding and in-person church attendance. After all, it fits into our schedule.
Pastors have shortened their regular church services to one hour to resolve the complaint of “The church service is just too long.” Sacrificial giving of our time and effort is an inconvenience, even for God.
Another individual shared proof of satisfying one’s desires over serving God. “In the past ten years, all of my friends have gone astray. They no longer serve God. They chased success, and relationships, or chose other worldly options that provided happiness.”
Current studies by Reach Right Focus reveal that in-person attendance is only 36-60% of what it was pre-COVID. Church attendance has decreased because individuals have lost their interest in serving God.
Spiritual Warfare: The strategist’s solution is to use engagement techniques to bring new members into the churches. Too much emphasis is placed on making one feel good. One strategy is not to overwhelm the members with too many Scriptures. Believe it or not, church leaders have responded by changing their regular service to one or two hours of singing, which is designed to produce happiness.
Sadly, these are the members who become despondent when faced with trials. Without spiritual food from the Word of God and fervent prayer, we cannot have a steadfast relationship with Jesus Christ. Knowledge of God’s promises along with receiving the power of the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to overcome our hardships.
When we love God with all of our hearts, souls, and minds, no one has to convince us to serve Him. True worship is an outward reflection of a steadfast relationship with Jesus Christ. Serving God is probably the most challenging thing a Christian will ever do. Discipleship is a life of humility, surrender, and obedience. Through prayer and studying the Bible, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts from satisfying our desires to becoming humble servants.
Jesus’ disciples also had many issues, including hearts overcome by pride. Their antagonism toward one another was fueled by the desire to be the greatest. At the Last Supper, it was Jesus [the Son of God] who washed His disciple’s feet. Humility is not a character trait we are born with. Our carnal nature opposes the meek and lowly traits of servitude. Yet, becoming a servant is discipleship.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:14-17).
Prayer: God, we pray for the many individuals who have given up and lost their way that they will return to their first love, Jesus Christ. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ worthy name, Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 