Over the years, I have had conversations with people about serving in the church. So many times, they are waiting for the bright light from heaven and the audible voice of God saying, “Jooosssshhhhhuuuuuaaaaa… Thou hast been called to serve as the greeter of mine sheep at the door posts, and thou wilt be faithful to this day both day and night.” Recently David Ramer said something that struck me: “You don’t need to be called out by a prophet or a prophetic word to serve. Hello! Get in there and start serving!” Sometimes we just wait for that “bright light and audible voice of God” encounter but, deep down, we already know what we are supposed to be doing. We may not fully know the details on the how or when, but we feel we need to be DOING SOMETHING so we try to make it happen in our own time and try to be “successful” on our own terms. Learning to rest, wait and walk through the doors he opens is the hard part. It is also necessary to learn to position our hearts and how we carry ourselves when no one is watching.
If you are called to do something, it doesn’t matter if anyone else is doing it – because it is between you and God. We all know the phrase: “The Lord doesn’t look on the outside; He looks at what’s in our heart.” He looks at [things…life…time…everything] completely differently than what we do. He looks at the decisions and intentions of the heart. We measure by externals like performance, gifting, achievements, money, etc. We esteem the visible outworking of God, and He esteems the inner working of our hearts. Our focus should be on faithfulness, servanthood, and cultivating a humble spirit. Don’t mix up your anointing in fame, affirmation, and seeking power.
In the scriptures, David didn’t necessarily have tremendous courage, rather he understood God’s endorsement of him. Choosing to fight Goliath despite how crazy that must have seemed is such an example of great faith! David chooses to believe the Word of the Lord over his life. It wasn’t something he mustered up, but a simple belief in the anointing of God, and that the plans that God had for Him were true and would come to pass. Essentially, God is saying, ” I want you to understand that I chose you and I am living in you.” [This empowers us for life!] David saw himself as God’s beloved and confidently walked out his calling. The Lord does not evaluate with accusation or manipulation as humans do. He looks past all the external stuff and clearly sees the intentions and the motives of the heart. That is how we are evaluated. Yet in that, there is still the responsibility to make the choices that are right. Seeking God becomes a treasure hunt. When no one notices you, God does. That is what is meant by that moment when God says, “Well done you good and faithful servant!”
Servanthood is possible. Knowing God is hearing his voice and operating in continual intercession, knowing that your work is an act of worship unto the Lord. We can’t choose people who have great gifts but who a lack of a servant’s spirit. God knows how much can and will come against you when He shines His light on you. You never know when your promotion is coming in the spirit and with your place with the Lord. This is not something you can make happen. But an excellent spirit is not up to God. This doesn’t mean He doesn’t love us or hasn’t anointed us. It is up to us how we begin to respond in the grace of God in the unattractive or the unnoticed. Zechariah 4 says, “Don’t despise small beginnings.” And in Matthew 25 Jesus said, “If you are faithful in small things, I will make you ruler of great things.” An excellent spirit is manifested in someone who knows how to serve. Those who walk in an excellent spirit have dealt with self pity, entitlement and judgement. They don’t blame others or play the victim role. Self-pity says God is not enough; He doesn’t know my circumstances. It is a breeding ground for sin and self-soothing. It causes us to be unfaithful in the grace of God on a private level. Those with an excellent spirit know that God knows their intentions and motives. They have a revelation that they are the apple of God’s eye and know that He is the one who gives justice.
My desire is to be a man with an excellent spirit who loves to serve. The truth is that my flesh longs for recognition. I want people to look at my accomplishments and say wow, look at that. But if I walk in humility, knowing that my reward is in heaven, then I can rest in the knowledge that He will indeed exalt me in due season and it will be far better than any recognition I can dream up. So I remain without offense. God knows where I am and His timing is never late. He sees the motives of my heart!