Service not Status

“We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. Instead, we should all please other believers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭‬‬

I worked in the corporate world and watched people so things to elevate themselves. Even good actions can be done for the wrong reason. We live in a world where people want recognition, their fifteen minutes of fame. We seek status through followers and likes instead of true relationships. But the Bible tells us to build others up, not ourselves. We are meant to carry each others burdens and please other people.

As a therapist, I can not counsel people I know, dual relationships are unethical. I tell those people in my circle, “I would rather do life with you.” And I mean it. Yes there are exceptions to dual relationships, I could document and build up my own platform, that is not my heart.

I am going to listen and sit with my friends in their pain, in their mistakes, and in their celebrations. I am going to be a cheerleader. I am going to give advice, it is who I am. I am going to speak truth in love, speak correction, and share Biblical truth wisdom. That is who God called me to be in the life of my friends. I am not going to make money off my friends, it is a mutually beneficial relationship. I want to be there for my brothers and sisters in my immediate congregation in whatever way they need; for them, I am available anytime. I will refer them to another Christian counselor if there is mental health need or a need beyond a good friend’s support.

Unlike in my work as a therapist, I am going to ask the same thing of those friends in my circle. When I am down, lift me up. Sit with me in my pain, correct me, celebrate with me. Give me your advice, I know the same Holy Spirit that guides me, guides you. Cheer me on, encourage me, speak truth. I need this in my life just as you do and I don’t always ask for it. Be there for me even if at times it is not convenient.

The message version has a line that says “Strength is for service, not status.” The areas where God has strengthened me is for the service of His people. Yes, it is also tied to my career but in His house it is for service, not status. Even in my career, my hope is that people will be pointed to Him even if they don’t want Biblical counseling. I also recognize that there are people in my circle that have strengths in areas where I am weak. I need them as much as, if not more, than they need me.

There are also times we are weak, even when we are strong. There are times we are blinded by something and can not see the correct path. There are times when we are ignoring God’s direction and it is important to have those strong voices speak into our life. People to help us even when we don’t see the need for it. We are called to build one another up.

It is easy to focus on status, wanting to have the pastor or pastor’s wife, or the evangelist, or special speaker be that person who carries your burdens. That is not always possible especially as churches grow, nor is it as God intended. The pastors and those in the five fold ministry’s job is to equip the congregation to do just that, build up the body of Christ. We have to be willing to come alongside each other, and know that the same Spirit in the pastor is in the believer beside you. It really is about service, not status.

Prayer – Lord, I thank you for the circle of believers that you have placed around me. Help those who are getting to know me understand I really do mean it when I say I will do life with them and that I am available if they need something. In my busyness, help me to serve others with love and keep You as the priority in every relationship. Let me always seek to serve you and others over status. In Jesus name. Amen.