Avoiding the idolatry of the means
All our knowledge, our apologetics, theology, and biblical perspectives are good things, but only as means to an end. The end of such things is to evangelize the lost and edify the redeemed. If they are used or viewed as anything other than that, then we have lost sight of the purpose for them: Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, in that order.
The order is critical, since of the two - Christ and the Kingdom - the Lord Jesus Christ is all that really matters. We must remember Whom we serve, not focusing only on the service He has entrusted to us. His call is first and foremost into fellowship, not service: the latter flows freely and naturally from the former. We are servants of the King, not the Kingdom: we serve the Kingdom only because that is what the King has told us to do.
posted by Milton Stanley at 8:36 AM
6 Comments:
John 18:36 says "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."
When building the Kingdom, consult the King. He has both the Way and the Means.
Thanks Lord for Your Word.
I often struggle with how little I know living in this country and in these days of the word Kingdom. Is it not the relationship and fellowship that produce the Kingdom? May we all truly understand what it means to serve at the pleasure of our King. Thank you for your post.
Good thoughts. I think Oswald Chambers also addressed some of this--that our calling is to Himself, rather than to a particular service. The service flows out of our love for Him.
Thanks, Milton. Always a good word here.
Amen, TCC.
Glad you liked Mike's words, DR, and that you're continuing to grow in the Lord. Peace.
You're welcome, Vicki. And thanks to Mike for his memorable and outstanding post.
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