So, as I was reading and praying from the “Our Father” outline, something jumped off of the page and into my spirit of what it means to be Christ like, to have the 1Co 2:16  mind of Christ functioning in us.

 It was right there in the very first lines of the very first column. It was the definition of the very name of GOD as revealed to Moses. “Whatever you need me to be that is what I am or what I will be.”

This has been my realization of the return gift that I could give to the LORD for this great free gift of salvation in which He absolutely and totally saved me. My statement to the LORD has always been, “what can I give to you for saving me, that has any value, other then my life. You gave Your Son’s life for me and so it is only right that I give my life for you.”  The greater the sinner leads to the greater the forgiveness which leads to the greater the love which culminates in the greater the devotion and obedience.

Luk 7:47 KJV-  Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

 “Whatever you need me to be that is what I am or what I will be.”

Now you may feel that this attitude is a bit dramatic and unattainable, but this is not what the scripture says.  Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He said that the greatest among us is those who serve. He came as an example of how we are to think, speak, act and live as citizens of His kingdom. So, as the Lord told Moses that He would meet our needs, it is only right that we have the same attitude towards HIM. 1John 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us.

3  All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

What does that mean? Ministering to others even when it is uncomfortable and against your nature. Regardless of who sits at your table, you are required to wait on him with the same service as you would someone that you like. So, for us as Christians, we too are to conduct ourselves as servants for Christ.  Treat all people the way that you want to be treated.

 We went to wedding Friday night in Utica and there was this guy there that I couldn’t figure out. He appeared to be full of himself, he dressed like a “gansta,” with weird bowling-style shiny vinyl shoes, sporting a modern regular guy button down shirt, shaved head, who had rap video sexually suggestive male stripper-like motions, who was checking Suzy out,(who btw was sizzling in her appearance), but yet, he smiled, was quiet, and seemed non-aggressive. The last thing that I would think of doing or would want to do was to witness to him. To me, he seemed like a waste of my time. Anyway, there was no unction to speak with this guy. Who knows? He may already be saved. It was hard to not pass judgment on him and easy to avoid him, just based upon his presentation. But, if there was a pressing to get in his face, I’d be the Lord’s servant and get there.

 Earlier that day we visited a previous landlord whom we really have been thankful for from 30 years ago. He just called Sue to potentially sell his home and then move into a retirement place. He remembered me sealing his driveway for him without his knowing or at any cost to him. I didn’t even remember do it at first. And btw, I wasn’t much of a Christian in those days. I was still in His majesty’s secret service then, but doing good to others must have been in me. We went to his home to try to help him to make a wise decision regarding his future. We thought that he had a son, but he stated that he didn’t and that he was alone. So, upon hearing that, I offered to help him with anything that he needed for the rest of his days here on the earth. Now, I didn’t pray and ask the LORD if I should do this or not. I know what the bible says about doing good to others and there was no objection in my spirit, so I spoke. He graciously accepted my offer. I then told him that I will take no money for anything that I would do for him, because I wanted to help him as a friend and that I wasn’t after his money as the devil would later suggest to him.  He then said something to me that took me by surprise. “What if I am a millionaire?” I told him that I hope that he is a multi-millionaire. Now, what if when this man dies, he leaves a portion of his labors and diligence to us just because I sealed his driveway for him free of charge?

 The more that we submit ourselves to serving others as we feel in our spirits, not our hearts or minds, as ministers, the more we will have to share with others and enjoy for ourselves.  

Luk 6:31-38 KJV-BRG  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.  32  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  33  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.  34  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  35  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  36  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  37  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:  38  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.