Though we are supposed to reign like kings, we are also told to be like servants. How do we reconcile these two positions? The believer's identity—a biblical perspective.
How should believers see ourselves? Though there are various metaphors the Bible uses to help us understand our identity, it can get confusing at times.
From the viewpoint of relationship and intimacy, we are to see ourselves as sons of God, our heavenly Father (Romans 8:14-15).
With
regards to discipline and suffering, we are to see ourselves as soldiers,
athletes and farmers (2 Timothy 2:3-6).
When it comes to spiritual sensitivity, we are to be like sheep—listening intently to the voice of the Chief Shepherd (John 10:27).
But though we are supposed to reign like kings, we are told to be like servants. How do we reconcile these two extreme positions?
Because we identify ourselves with Christ’s resurrection, we now reign like kings. But with regards to the practical outworking of our faith, we
are to be like servants.
“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6).
We have victory over sin, death and Satan on the
basis of what Christ has done for us at the cross. As for the latter, Christ
“disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed
them publicly by his victory over them on the cross” (Colossians 2:15).
We are more than conquerors in Christ. We do not
have to fight for victory; we just have to enforce the victory that is already
ours.
But we should also remember what Jesus shared
about ministry—we are to
serve because He came to earth with an attitude of a servant. And since no servant
is greater than the master, we should emulate the Master (Mark 10:45, John 13:16).
Christ illustrated what He meant by a servant’s
heart by washing the disciples feet just before going to the cross. This
attitude of humility is described in Philippians 2: 5-8:
Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus:
Who, being in
very nature God,
did not
consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made
himself nothing,
taking the
very nature of a servant,
being made in
human likeness.
And being
found in appearance as a man,
he humbled
himself
and became
obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Some think believers should be guaranteed success and wealth in this world. They should travel first-class, stay in hotel suites,
be driven in limousines and live in mansions replete with swimming pools and
private theatre.
However, there is no scriptural support that we deserve a lifestyle befitting that of royalty.
We are only reign like kings with regards to our new
position in Christ as outlined above.
Moses, the prince of
Egypt, was commended as a hero of faith. All the riches, power and pleasures inherent in this privileged position did not stop him from fulfilling God’s calling to
lead His people out from Egypt. He chose shame and disgrace instead of earthly wealth
and honour because he looked to greater reward to come with the eyes of faith (Hebrews
11:24-27).
Of those listed in the
hall of fame in Hebrews chapter 11, there is a category of people who did not
receive any earthly reward or deliverance. Instead suffering and persecution
were their lot (Hebrews11:36-39).
These unsung heroes of faith
are not often quoted in sermons. For human nature is like this: We want to
hear more about those who have experienced blessing, deliverance and fulfillment
of God’s promises in their earthly life (Hebrews 11:33).
To
recapitulate, with regards to our position as believers—being raised
together with Christ—we reign like kings but with regards to the practical
outworking of our faith, we are to be like servants.
It is incorrect to say, “Since we reign
like kings, we should be guaranteed a lifestyle befitting of a king.” To swing to the other extreme is equally incorrect—that we are insignificant, defeated and powerless just because we are lowly servants.
Ultimately, we are called to be faithful with what we have been entrusted (Parable of the Talents). “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
RELATED POSTS:
Ultimately, we are called to be faithful with what we have been entrusted (Parable of the Talents). “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
Whether
we are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers, how have we been
living our lives as faithful servants?
“Will
any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he
has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not
rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me
while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the
servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all
that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants;
we have only done what was our duty.’”
(Luke
17:7-10)RELATED POSTS:
DISCOVERING
OUR IDENTITY
Once
we have resolved some important questions about our identity, we are well on
our way to enjoy sound psychological health. We are also well-positioned to
live out God’s calling for our lives. Otherwise our lives might be stuck in the
doldrums.
SAINT
OR SINNER?
Is
the believer essentially a saint or sinner? If he is a ‘saint’, why is he still
struggling with sin?
THE
ABUNDANT LIFE
What
does Jesus actually mean when He says, “I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly?" What does the Bible say about
abundance and riches?
SELF-ESTEEM
AND PRIDE
Many
make the tragic mistake in not recognising the difference between self-esteem
which is positive and pride which is negative.
http://bit.ly/1dP95jq
No comments:
Post a Comment