I was thinking about the level of responsibility I have, as a servant, to the Master. How responsible am I for outcomes? Do I answer for how well projects, outreaches, and special events done in the Kingdom turn out? Do I seperate what God expects from what I've learned in big business? How are they alike, how are they different? The Lord sent me to Luke 12. In the parable on Watchfulness found in Luke 12:42-46 the Master went away and left a trusted servant in charge. Take a few moments to read this short passage of Scripture: Luke 12:42 "The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers." We see through Christ's words how the Master would react if the servant lost sight of his goal and began to abuse his position. We see some tale-tale signs of what that [loss of focus] might look like.
For some in Kingdom work, ministry has become about position instead of obedience. Many claim the Call and enter Kingdom work with a personal agenda. This is a dangerous, very slippery slope. This unfaithful servant began to see himself as a little master instead of seeing himself as a part of the task force, working toward a common goal. In this way we see the same sin of pride that caused Lucifer to rise up against Jehovah God to try and usurp His authority and position. Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven and the servant was killed. God will not long tolerate an abuse of authority and a misuse of His calling upon a life.
Let it be said of us as leaders and ministers, in Kingdom work for the Master, that we directed and led by example, not by authority and position. The most authentic teacher (Jesus) used both verbal and visual illustrations (words and actions). We must follow his leadership example.
Let the first order of business be obedience to the Master. This will help us stay focused on His agenda and leave little time for ours. If the servant had stayed obedient he would have not suffered such punishment. "Lord, it's only through YOU and obedience to You that we can accomplish anything for your Kingdom. Without You we can do nothing!"
LT 2.3.11
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