“Quiet servants. The supporting cast of the kingdom of God. They seek to do what is right. . . . They embody this verse: ‘For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.’ (Galatians 5:13.”- Max Lucado
In Chapter 7 (“It’s Your Serve”) of How Happiness Happens, Max Lucado reflects on a Bible study teacher who taught fourth-graders at Parkview Church of Christ in Odessa, TX. Max was one of four boys attending the class. Above all, Max remembers one specific night with startling clarity. That night his teacher tried to teach the class the meaning of Romans 7. Although Max never spoke that evening, he listened attentively. The following Sunday his baptism took place.
Over the years, Pastor Lucado notes, he’s often thought about that teacher. That man never served as a pastor, not did he display a dynamic persona. And, he tended to fumble over his words. Even so, his teaching rerouted Max’s path. Above all, a quiet servant.
In a society that seeks self- indulgence, Christ followers take a different approach. We seek opportunities to serve others. Andrew, Max states, took that servant approach. The brother of Peter, he came from the same town as James and John. Yet, when we discuss the inner circle of Peter, James, and John, we often forget Andrew.
However, quiet doesn’t equate with complacent. Just because a quiet servant avoids the limelight, that doesn’t mean he/she lacks fire. In Andrew’s case, he led his brother Peter to Jesus. And later, Peter preached the first sermon and led the Jerusalem church. Therefore, Pastor Lucado continues:
“When God wants to bring Christ into the world, he looks for servants. No diploma required. No bloodline specified. Place of birth doesn’t matter. Let all unassuming people of the world be reminded: God can use you.”
Today’s question: What quiet servants, the supporting cast in God’s kingdom, impact your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “UnScrooged from stinginess”