The Guiding Principles Of Ministry-Service And Love

Recently I watched a documentary called "The Fake Famous." It highlighted three average “Joes” who manipulate social media by purchasing followers, manipulating algorithms and other technics designed to fool people into believing they were famous and trend setters. Since ministry has gone online, even ministers have been tempted to use slick ads and worldly technics to improve likes, increase followers and have almost forgotten the guiding principles of ministry. The documentary called these Fake Famous people influencers. They are used to influence public opinions, styles, clothing, cars, etc. We should be mindful of the culture’s attempt to influence the church in the online climate. The disciples were almost swayed by the crowds, the lure of position and popularity is strong. We must constantly ask ourselves, Why are we doing what we do?

After the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, the Pharisees were more determined than ever to put Jesus to death. Jesus is no longer speaking in parables, He had revealed himself to the disciples as being the Christ, the son of God. Throughout the Gospels The disciples had almost always addressed Jesus as Lord. The disciples knew His Identity and had experienced what he could do. They have experienced the miracles of Jesus; his power had been on full display. In John’s Gospel alone, He turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana, Healed a Blind man by the pool of Bethesda after 38 years of sickness, fed thousands with two small fish and five barley loaves, opened blinded eyes and finally raised Lazarus from the dead. The disciples had witnessed the crowds become massive. They had begun to think about positions, power and privilege. Jesus knew how vital this lesson was because his disciples were discussing which of them were the greatest in the kingdom. Two disciples James and John, along their mother requested that Jesus would grant her sons special seats of honor.

As wonderful as social media is, I wonder how successful our ministry really is today. I wonder are we building the God’s kingdom or our own kingdoms? It is a wonderful thing to follow Jesus and study his life as he dealt with popularity and influence. Jesus used a guiding principle for his ministry. We need to understand the principal Jesus used to stay focus. Jesus honored God by always serving others and loving the kingdom of God. Satan tries to create confusion in the body of Christ in the area of the service we give and the love we demonstrate. All of us will face tremendous pressure from within and without. Our greatest challenge will be responding in such a way that God is glorified. It has been said, “life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% how we respond to what happens to us.”

I believe God is using the pandemic to slow us down enough to examine ourselves. The scattered church has been confused and wandered away from their assignment. The disciples were confused by the crowds, the cheers, and the excitement of the moment. Jesus had to remind them, the Kingdom of God is not about popularity, position, power, and influence. The kingdom is about love and service. I want to share some principles of ministry from John 13. Here in the lesson of love and service, Jesus sets the clear example to be followed.

Principle #1 – John 13:1 “And before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come when He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own in the world, He loved them to the end.” Notice Jesus’ attitude towards those who serviced with him. He knew these men were not perfect, saints or angels. They were worldly men with worldly weaknesses who need ongoing support and guidance. He made a commitment to love them. We must make a commitment to love one another.

Principle #2 – John 13:3 “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and went to God,” You can only serve and love as he did when we know who we are, where we came from and where we are going. Knowing his identity, allowed Jesus to serve and love with confidence. We must not allow our identity to from Facebook followers, the numbers of likes or public opinion. Our identity must come from God. My life came from God, ministry came from God, he knows what He has given me and called me to do. Don’t be swayed by the crowd or lack thereof.

Principles #3 John 13:4 “He rose up from supper and laid aside His garments. And He took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.” Jesus moved the focus from popularity and positions of power to humility. This lesson of miracles could not teach this lesson. The day before, Jesus was anointed with expensive spikenard and his feet had been dried with Mary’s hair. Now he rises from the table and washes his disciple’s feet. The act is a reflection of Jesus’ ministry in the world, he strips himself and took the form of a servant. After the act of service, he takes his own garment again.