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Servants Now and in God's Kingdom

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Servants Now and in God's Kingdom

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Jesus Christ was the greatest servant who ever lived, and He set the example that we are to follow. Remember what He said to His disciples when they were concerned about "position" in His Kingdom: "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your 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 20:25-28).

He came "to serve, and to give His life," first as a living sacrifice and then as the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Are we willing to follow His example, in the sense of being humble in attitude with a serving heart? I believe the answer is yes, for those of you in God's Church who are motivated by His Spirit of love for others. Many of you are longtime, faithful, humble servants of Jesus Christ. Thank you for following Christ's example!

Here is how Paul expressed it: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8).

When Christ returns to establish His Kingdom on earth, we know that we shall be serving under Him as "priests of God" (Revelation 20:6). We will have the opportunity to teach and model God's law and way of life, which will bring peace and happiness to all nations. We will have the power and authority to discipline in love when that is necessary (Revelation 2:26-27).

But first, we must learn now how to yield our hearts and minds to God and become more like Jesus Christ, His Son, every day of our lives. Paul was inspired to express it this way: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

And Paul added, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Jesus Christ put it this way: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:4-5).

Brethren, let us yield our lives to God and let Jesus Christ live in us so that we can be His servants, now and in His soon-coming Kingdom!