I love writing. I love sharing. I love encouraging. I love following the call of the Lord so that I can call others to know the Lord more. I love giving it all for the one who gave it all.
Yet, sometimes, when my eyes stray from the Ultimate Servant, I start to think I am the ultimate giver.
When this happens two things normally happen:
1.) I start feeling insecure, because I think results rely on my shoulders.
2.) I attempt to steal the Lord’s glory.
Tired. Worn. Weary. My eyes wander from Christ. I desire appreciation and require affirmation.
It’s so easy for the servant to be replaced with one wanting to be served.
With just the slightest perspective change, we are lured in. Why? Because serving is hard. Being less than is hard. Ministry is hard. It’s tireless. It’s sacrificial. It’s never ending.
It’s easy to think, “I have given so much, what about me?”
Have you ever felt this way?
Often, we servants have 5 predominate lies that grow thick and take over our mind. God stands ready to cut them down with his awesome two-edged sword of truth.
1. “I should be doing more. My work isn’t enough.”
We wrongly think that God values big things, big endeavors and huge results. We feel marginalized by God. Less than. We believe our work won’t count until it is bigger and better. Sometimes, we can wonder why we are even trying…
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much… (Luke 16:10)
TRUTH: If you are being faithful with what God has given you to do, you are being faithful. Period. The big – or small – the Lord has set before you is just what he wants you to tackle. At our days end, we will be valued – not by how big we did things – but by how we loved, how we believed and how we trusted God with what we were given.
‘Well-done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Mt. 25:23)
2. “Look what they’re doing. They are so much better than I am.”
The second we take our eyes off of Christ is the second we start getting big eyes for other’s accomplishments. We see. We want. We envy.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Phil. 2:3)
TRUTH: We are all working for the Lord. We have the same boss – and the same goals. True joy is found when we co-labor with our neighbor. God desires community, relationships and teamwork. He never intended for us to mark our territories – as we pursue our agenda’s.
Instead, he tells us to consider others better than ourselves. Why? Because he wants us to experience the full joy of serving, working and loving others.
3. “I feel worn down. I can’t find strength.”
Tired. Worn. Weak. Weary. We feel that ministry has become a daily grind.
…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Is. 40:31)
TRUTH: We renew our strength by renewing our relationship with the Lord. Meaning: we remember why we are doing this, whom we are doing it for and why we have been called. If he called us, he will clear a way for us. We can stop striving and start resting in his plan. As we do this, he will renew our strength.
4. “Does what I do, even matter? I am not making a difference.”
We doubt the difference we are making. We question our purpose.
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Mt. 25:40)
TRUTH: If we affected one, we have pleased One. God values the least of these. He is not looking for numbers; he is looking for changed hearts. What you are doing does matter. If someone has been changed, your work has had huge impact. And, imagine all the people you have impacted who have never even told you.
5. “No one has affirmed me. I am not any good.”
We can feel discouraged, waiting to be encouraged. We need people to fill us up, in order to feel full.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mt. 6:33)
TRUTH: When we seek after God, his kingdom, and his righteousness, we don’t need to gas up on approval. Because know we are already approved. In this, we can stand secure. This means we don’t have to spin wheels seeking approval and affirmation. He has everything covered.
The Lord sees us. And, as he sees fit – he gives. He gives it right to us as we are seeking after him. He makes it easy, he just tells us, “Seek after me and I will give you all the rest.”
We were created to serve. When we serve based on the promises of God, we can serve from a whole-hearted place, instead of an insecure place. It makes all the difference in the world.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:45)
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Cheerleading Link Up –
Hey Bloggers, I hope you had fun encouraging each other yesterday on Twitter (#RaRaLinkup). I sure had a blast. Click the button below to participate in the Cheerleading Linkup. Be sure to return every Tuesday as the fun continues.
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Hi there, Kelly! I missed your twitter conversation yesterday! What a great idea, and I so appreciated the words of encouragement you sent my way. I’ll be waiting for next Monday to take part. (Hope I remember!!!) I love your post on 5 lies and 5 truths. It often helps me so much to remind myself of God’s specific truths to counteract specific lies.
Betsy! We missed you yesterday, but I am so glad you got to link up. I can’t wait to dive into your post. I am glad you liked the post on the 5 lies. I remind myself of these often! ha! Thank you for joining me in this. I am honored to have you.
Great post Kelly and I loved the #raralinkup fun & encouragement going around yesterday. Stay faithful to what He has set before you and trust Him with the results. You are loved!
Katie, thank you for joining in. It was a blast to just encourage everyone. I got a real sense that this is what the Lord is after! It reminded me of the churches encouraging others in Biblical times. I just loved it and I loved that you were right in the midst of it. Thank you.
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These are so timely. I’ll be printing these for my journal- because the lies sneak in so often. Thanks for sharing and for hosting this linkup. I’m glad we connected…. I’ll be back. 🙂
Karen, I am delighted that you will be printing these. I have these truths imprinted in my mind because I so often fall into the lie trap. Keep me out of there Lord! That is part of the reason why I started this. I love uplifting each other! Thank you so much for joining this fun!
It seems to me that one common thread in looking at the lies is that the servant has ‘descended” to a life of service; stooping from a life of independence and privilege.
The truth – as I see it – is that duty and service are everything; they are the reason we exist. To serve God, yes, of course, but in the temporal sense our obligations to His fellow children far outweigh our own rights…including the right to judge our own performance.
I like the idea of our service to each other outweighing our right to judge our performance. It is an interesting thought to think we actually don’t have a right to judge ourselves. In doing so, we are taking our eyes off of Christ. Thank you for that thought-provoking comment.
Wow Kelly, you and I were really on the same wavelength today. All of these truth reminders are so needed for me right now. Thank you, friend. You are a beautiful writer and encourager because you are his. I pray you always remember that.
Oh Abby, I am so glad that you and I are in sync. Sometimes these reminders are so valuable. Thank you for your loving words. I am certain that the Lord has big big plans for you. Only he truly knows, but I know that you are a woman who is following his call and he will honor that!
My Link up title may not sound all that encouraging, but I shared this particular entry because Kelly has given me a chance to practice what I am preachin’ in this post!
I am so excited to be handed an opportunity to network with other women who desire the same thing I do-to share the word of God. Aaaaand a great opportunity to share them! No strings attached!! 🙂 I just want to encourage everyone to keep on keepin’ on for the sake of sharing the gospel!! 🙂
Christy, I can’t wait to dive into your post. I love that you get to practice, because it is so much more about practicing than it is about preaching, right?! I am so excited about this link up because I think we all need a little “Ra Ra” sometimes. I am cheering you on!
This is such a timely post. I have believed many of these lies about my serving & giving in the past. Thank you.
And thank you for the link-up. Brand new here. Just became your latest Twitter follower so I don’t miss the fun again! 😉
Blessings,
Deborah, I am so glad you joined on Twitter. We had so much fun on Monday, just encouraging the living daylights out of each other. I know you would have much to add. Thank you for being a part of this. I am brand new at this too! We are both in the same camp. I love your blog name, “Growing in His Grace.” Beautiful. Isn’t that the best pursuit?
So excited to connect with you on Twitter, Kelly! I too am a cheerleader-ish type… But even us Jesus cheerleaders need some ra-ra-shish-coom-ba in our corner. Love these truths. Thanks a ton for the invite to join up 🙂 Keep up the great work, friend.
How cute are you Sharita? I love your words We do need some ra-ra-shis-coom-ba in our corner! You bring such spunk. I can’t wait to get to know you more. You better keep on joining us every week, as my fellow cheerleader in Christ! Go girl Go!
Kelly, thank you for including me here. This is such a great idea. I didn’t participate in the twitter thing because I’m not used to using it that much. I am learning. It’s interesting that the post I picked out last night to share coincides with some of what you are saying here. I’ve noticed that others have had similar things to say. I think it is cool how God works in that way reinforcing what He is teaching us through the words of others. I’ve been blessed already reading some of the other blog posts.
Gayl, you are so right. I think (and this is totally not biblical so take it with a grain of salt) that God sometimes has a message he really wants to reiterate through multiple people. He seems to really do that sometimes. Thank you for your encouraging words. I am beyond delighted by this Linkup. I hope you can join Twitter because when I saw all the encouragement, I thought, “This is the heart of the Lord. This is what he wants for us bloggers.”
Such an encourager you are! Bless you for that. Sobering thoughts, Kelly, and a great post. I love this: If we affected one, we have pleased One. I think you need to do a meme on it. Thank you for your ra-rahs! Be blessed! 😀
You are right Lynn! I do need to do a meme. I feel honored that you are part of this. I value you so much! 😉
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Amen! (especially the part about relying on God and not needing to gas up on other’s approval–I’ve been stopping at too many gas stations lately 😉 ). Thanks for hosting the link-up! It looks like the beginning of a fun community :).
Anita, I know! I am getting super excited about this Link up. I prayed God would open a door for me and I think the door is encouraging other bloggers. He is so good. I am all goose-bumpy right now. I can’t wait to get to know you more. Thank you for your words. Your blog name is a truth I need to remember all the time. Great name Anita! I can’t wait to walk this road together!
Oh my, how on target your post is! It is not about us. If we could just get that through our heads, we were serve more like Jesus. Over the past year, the Lord has kept Hebrews 12:2 running through my head. Fix your eyes on Jesus, Leah. Do not look to the left or the right. Just fix your eyes on Jesus. It really is the best way.
This really touched my heart, Kelly. These are the very lies that often taunt me. Thank you for the encouraging reminders of the TRUTH.
You are so welcome. Walking this road alone can be so hard. This is why I think God impressed this linkup on my heart. I am so glad you are with us and that you read this post. The devil can try to tie us down with lies, so we can’t walk and proclaim truth. I am glad that you are grabbing hold of God’s words to you! Can’t wait to get to know you more. Thanks for joining!
Kelly, oh how true that a slight perspective change change lure us away from truth! Many times I have to ask myself: Is my perspective truth? Thanks so much for the encouragement!
I love that question Ellen. That is wisdom. I am going to embrace that as I go through my day? Frustrated at kids – Do I need a perspective change? Frustrated in lines – Do I need a perspective change? Frustrated with life – Do I need a perspective change? Good stuff. Thank you for your meaningful words! Keep cheering with me – I need you.
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Hi Kelly,
I just discovered your link-up from clicking on your post from Coffee For Your Heart! I loved your post—“Being less than is hard.” Oh so true. And “what about me?” and “I need affirmation” are also so right on. The need for affirmation really comes from an insecurity (as does most of the others, I suppose), and when we become spiritually mature, and learn to rest in the security of Christ, we no longer seek that affirmation, thereby freeing us to really serve! (Preaching to myself here…still learning!). Thanks for hosting—I’ve added you to my Tuesday Link-up list!
I am so glad you discovered my link up too. It is super exciting because on Monday’s we encourage each other on Twitter using the #RaRaLinkup. It was so encouraging. I hope you can join us for that part too. Thank you for your comments; I agree the source is insecurity! Much love to you.
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Thank you Kelly for this encouraging post and the truth in God’s word. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Tammy! Merry Christmas to you! I pray that you find much joy, peace and grace during this time of year!
You are so welcome. I am so glad that you enjoyed it!
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Hi Kelly,
This: “If we affected one, we have pleased One. God values the least of these.” God always looks at our hearts and not at the numbers.
Merry Christmas,
Dolly
Good point. He does look at our hearts numero uno. It is all about our hearts. Even if our number is 0! It is so not about the numbers. Thank you God!
Beautifully written sweet friend…but more than that! The truth shared in this way is a great reminder to us all and a resource we can come back to when we are losing focus! I love running this race beside you, with you and for Him!!!! Ultimately, He is the only One we should bring glory for and to! Love ya!
Thank you Jodie for you words. We are running the race holding hands and just seeking after him with all we are, so that we run into his arms with all his power behind us. I love running with you. This is a resource for me too! ha! Thanks for being awesome Jodie.
Thank you For today’s post. After struggling so hard to get here, I really needed to read what you had wrote. Thanks for encouraging us.
I am so glad you made it here and joined us for this. I am really happy it spoke to your heart.
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