Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

For once, the NIV and the Japanese agree, and are different from the ESV. The ESV says, “a minister,” whereas the other two say “a servant,” or “one who serves” (Japanese). That is actually the original meaning of “minister,” but current usage has shifted considerably. Ministers are seen as holding a special office, and in the case of government ministers, a very high office. I don’t think that feeling is in the original at all. It is indeed a privilege, and actually high honor, to serve the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but it is something to be grateful for and not something to inflate our pride. I’m reminded of what has happened on some of the Fox News shows, because the majority of Trump’s cabinet have at least been guests on those shows, if not hosts. Those still at Fox have trouble using the formal titles, because these people are friends! That’s actually how it is to be in the Church. The ground is indeed level at the foot of the cross, as has been said for many years. There certainly is such a thing as spiritual authority, but it’s never to puff us up. It’s like I tell couples in marriage counseling: the husband being head of the wife, as Paul explains in Ephesians 5, in no way means that he is more valuable or more precious than she is. A minister, particularly in the sense of a local church pastor, has authority and responsibility, and had better be mature, but that doesn’t make him or her “better” than the members of the congregation. We serve Christ through serving His Gospel, which means serving the people God brings our way. Jesus explicitly set the example by washing His disciples’ feet. (John 13:12-17) Sadly, many “ministers” don’t see themselves as servants at all. When that is the case, repentance or removal are the only options.

I am very grateful to have been raised by my father. He was not only a pastor and missionary, at various times he was a university chancellor and chairman of the board of Seinan University and the Japan Baptist Convention. However, I can’t recall a single time of his demanding that he be served. He literally worked himself to death, not waking up on this earth after heart surgery at 64. I’ve passed him in longevity, but not in any other respect! I too am a missionary pastor and my function is to serve, not lord it over anyone. At 76, I am having to learn how to allow others to serve me! I need to focus on gratitude, both toward those who serve me and for the privilege of serving. I need to remember Jesus’ example and follow it gladly.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the various ways You have allowed and continue to allow me to serve. May my only goal be to hear You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” So that You may receive all the glory as Your will is done. Thank You. Hallelujah!