2nd Chronicles 12:8. “Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” SERVANTS OF MEN. It didn’t have to be, it wasn’t God’s intent, That those He chose would under the yoke be bent. But when self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction have their way, It will not be very long until independence has had its day.
The pride of position takes control and can often convince a man, That he can do just about anything any other person can. He compares himself with others and thinks he is much better – Not realizing his arrogance and independence are but binding fetters.
God is determined to bring the proud man down and the humble man up. It doesn’t take the Ruler of the Universe long to bring independence to a stop. The service of God is a blessed bondage bringing freedom to the soul. To be the servant of men means where he tells me, always I must go.
The servant of men is under the control of others just like me. It limits my service to what pleases men, not what God intended me to be. My will is subject to his changing times and what he thinks is important. The conduct of my life and work only reflects mans’ human deportment.
To be the servant of men means broken fellowship with God. The dissension and broken fellowship can’t be recovered with a nod. Alienation from God and His people, accompanies a servant of men. He is responsible to do what men want, and how, and where, and when.
Life becomes superficial when the service of man is imposed. The freedom of bond-service to Jesus Christ is what one should have chosen. Reflecting on the service of God compared to the service of men – One considers with deep remorse all that life might have been.
The humility of first love; a sense of dependence brings peace. The servant, who loves his Master, knows the joy of living by faith. There is a warmth and harmony that is seen in the servant’s face – And he doesn’t have to appear what he is not, when within he appreciates God’s grace.
“O Lord God, my Father: I don’t want to put out brass shields where there were the gold ones of Thy presence. I don’t want to have to be bound by mans’ opinion and demands. I do want to be Thy faithful servant who walks and works in dependence on Thee. Help me this day as I speak to Thy people, to be truly Thy servant who loves Thy service. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”