Being a Servant means Being like Christ

Leonard Bernstein, the late conductor of the the New York Philharmonic, was once asked to name the most difficult instrument to play. Without hesitation he replied, "the second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm - that's a problem. And if we have no second fiddle, we have have no harmony." Playing second fiddle to others, with enthusiasm, is what leaders are called to do. By "putting on Christ" we are putting on the servant's towel and diving deeply, passionately, and sacrificially not the lives of those around us, just as He did.  If you refuse, it won't be long until you hear the chords of disharmony in your relationship with Christ, your family, and those around you. If you humbly accept the role of a servant, there will be, over time, noticeable harmony, and at the end when you hear the music die down, you'll hear a voice telling you, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master" (Mt.25.21).

Such a challenge to consider and apply. Playing second fiddle is counterintuitive to all of our hearts, especially in leadership. I struggle with this but have been repentant of late in seeking to lead more as a servant. May I do this well for HIS Glory. May we see lives impacted for eternity.

This came from a great book I've been reading "On the Brink: Grace for the Burned-Out Pastor" by Clay Werner (p.119). It has been very helpful and challenging during a time when I've had 15 funerals and been to 26 in the last 10 months. It's been exhausting but HE has been more than faithful and gracious through it and has grown me by means of it. As difficult as it has been I'm thankful for that.

Donald S Whitney Quote

Service  that costs nothing rarely accomplishes anything, but costly service embodies the heart of Christ and advances the cause of Christ.

(Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)

Quote from Robert J Morgan on Success

"Success is doing the will of God and doing it with the right attitudes and in one-day increments as HE assigns the work - being synchronized with the sacred." (from his book "Mastering Life Before It's Too Late)

Spurgeon from Zechariah

This is the second year in a row I've used the resource of the Read Scripture App. Last year I read directly from the app as I followed the reading plan it lays out. This year I'm using a physical Bible. At this time I'm loving the Spurgeon Study Bible (CSB). It's a great resource that I picked up when I was on one of my many trips to Cleveland last year with my Dad as he battled cancer.

The plan has just started into Zechariah. I've found Zechariah challenging to read over the years because of its non-linear style. Yet each year I've found it challenging and ultimately good for my soul. Further reinforcing how HIS Word is so beautiful and needed.

Here are some quotes from Spurgeon based on verses from todays reading in the plan followed by the Read Scripture App...

Zech.2.8
For the Lord of Armies says this: "In pursuit of his glory, he sent me against the nations plundering you, for whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye."
Spurgeon on Zech.2.8
Stand at the foot of Calvary, and lettuce groans of Christ pierce your heart. Behold his head crowned with thorns; look at his hand and his feet streaming like fountains of blood. Think for a moment of the awful anguish which his spirit suffered, of the unknown pains he bore when he redeemed our souls for God; and you will readily conclude that love so amazing, which could pay a price so stupendous, would not easily loosen its hold on what it has purchased for itself.

Zech.3.9
Notice the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave an inscription on it" - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - "and I will take away the iniquity of this land in a single day.
Spurgeon on Zech.3.9
The position of sin in a natural man that of a king on his throne; the position of sin in a Christian is that of a bandit hiding in secret places trying to get back its old usurped dominion but failing in the attempt.

Derwin Gray quote

"People live out of either the hurt they feel or the healing Jesus provides."
- Derwin Gray, from his book Limitless Life

Spurgeon Quote from Haggai

I love the Book of Haggai. Two chapters easily digestible and broken down into four parts all the while being so challenging. The following is a quote from Spurgeon...

Haggai 1.7-8 (CSB)
7 The Lord of Armies says this: "think carefully about your ways. 8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; an I will be pleased with it and be glorified."

Spurgeon on Haggai 1.7-8
It does not matter whom we please of God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.

Challenging quote to examine our hearts by from a challenging book of the Bible.

Spurgeon & the Book of Daniel

I’m reading through the Book of Daniel at this time. I have enjoyed reading in the Spurgeon Study Bible which is a CSB ( Christian Standard Bible). The following are some verses with quotes by Spurgeon:

Dan.3.14
Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?
Spurgeon on Dan.3.14
“If we mean to be a Christian, and therefore intend to cast off the bondage of this present evil world, our resolve must be taken to bear all consequences rather than worship the idol of the hour.”

Dan.3.25
He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Spurgeon on Dan.3.25
“We must go into the furnace if we would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus.”

Dan.6.10
When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Spurgeon on Dan.6.10
“When we know our duty, first thoughts are the best; if the thing is abosolutely right, never think about it a second time, but straightaway go and do it.”

Great, challenging insights from the Prince of Preachers.