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Occasionally, I see bulletins with an order of service for the Sunday worship period. They will include the phrase, ‘Those privileged to serve” and follow with a list of the men who will be leading the services. I like that phrase, “Those privileged to serve.” The word “privilege” refers to “a right…granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” When I see that phrase, “Those privileged to serve,” it tells me that those leading in the services should consider it an honor to serve in the kingdom of God, regardless of the job to be done.
It seems to me that a lot of people have the reverse idea. They think they are doing God a favor by being at Bible study, worship services or by participating in the work of the church. For them, service is something done to benefit God, not any great honor for them. In that way, it reminds me of the two men in Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee extolled his personal virtues and self-righteousness as if God were privileged to have him on His side. We think of that man as being arrogant and out of step with God. Are we any better when we “volunteer” to do service for God thinking that we are benefitting Him to some great degree?
Our attitude ought to be, “What a privilege it is to serve in the kingdom!” When we believe and think that way, we will do all we can to serve God. But, we will do it from the perspective of humility and not arrogance. We will serve because there is work to be done and feel that we ought to do something in the service of our King.
Paul’s words say it best: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry…” (1 Tim. 1:12).
You are “privileged to serve.” God has a place for you in His kingdom and He wants you to be busily engaged in the work that needs to be done. The question is not, “What are you willing to do?” The question is, “What will you do?” the answer should be, “Whatever God wants me to do. It is a privilege to serve in the kingdom.”
Gary Knuckles
Church of Christ
Paducah, KY