Monday June 27, 2022

Service Not Titles

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:7-13.

Exposition:

Titles are often derived out of service. This means that there could be no title without service. When titles are mentioned, they only define the type or scope of service that an individual renders. For example, titles such as Elder, Pastor, PENSA President, Ambassador, Managing Director etc., only define the form of service that is rendered.

In our world today, many people yearn for titles rather than service. This is surprisingly found in the church. Some people want to be ordained into certain offices before they begin to serve. However, what God desires most is service and not titles.

In our reading today, Christ gave some to be Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. These are often referred to as Ascension Gifts, Gifts of Jesus Christ, Ministry Gifts, Grace Gifts or Five-fold Ministry. They are not just titles but offices for service. According to Ephesians 4:12, the purpose of these gifts is to “prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”. This means that, people who hold any of these offices are servants who serve and prepare others for service.

Many young people desire titles for the mere purposes of fame and recognition. In recent times, it is easy to find young people who would not serve with their gifting in the Church but want titles and names to be accorded them. Some even attend some “way-side Bible Schools” and within three-months are accorded titles like Apostles, Evangelists, etc.

God is calling on us today to be service-minded for His glory than being title-minded to our own disdain.

Prayer Guide: Dear Lord Jesus, please strengthen me from within to stand out in service other than being carried away by titles.

Memory Verse For This Week:

Mark 10:45 (NIV) – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”