Singleness Of Heart

Within various secular spheres, political, economical and social, undoubtedly there are many men who seek to serve the best interests of the nation to which they belong. Each man in his chosen or appointed sphere makes efforts, and in the case of some most diligent efforts, to maintain the high traditional standards preserved for many generations. But is the well-being of the nation the sole objective of all such men? Even to the casual observer it is clear that the politician, the economist, and the social worker oftentimes have other designs before them. Self-interest sometimes plays a large part in their activities- Take the politician, for instance. From time to time Ministers are removed from high office, often against their will, because others coveting the position contrive to oust them and move in to take their place, so that largely it is a question of position seeking-a game of wits, where men try to out-rival each other. In fact, we may say that such designs, base as they may seem to us, are admired, encouraged, and fostered in every walk of life.

Yet for us, who by infinite grace belong to the spiritual sphere which transcends by far any worldly sphere, the position is vastly different. The Lord Jesus Himself provides divine light for us on this matter. After speaking of men who sought position and authority for themselves, He goes on to say, " But ye shall not be so." His call is to lowly service as He Himself manifested in an unparalleled degree by His own wondrous example. Have you noticed that the Lord had occasion to speak to the disciples not once, but twice, when they contended as to "Who was the greatest" ? Read Luke 9.46-48 and 22.24-27.

The lesson of " single-hearted" humble service was a lesson hard for them to learn, and we shall find it so. It is a life-long lesson which we have to learn and re-learn. The Pharisees sought the glory of men rather than the glory of God. They were men-pleasers. The exhortation to us is to serve in "singleness of your heart, as unto Christ, not in the way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6.5, 6).

To be lovers of self and position is wrong and unwarrantable at all times, and there is another and important side to this question, namely, the progress of each other. Am I exercised about the progress of my brother in the Lord? Be warned against the evil of jealousy, envy, and strife in the matter of your place and also your brother's in the Assembly. To be over-concerned about the place your brother has, and, alas, to be jealous of him if he appears to be "getting on, will be disastrous to your own spiritual progress. The watchwords for each of us are: "In honour preferring one another" (Romans 12.10). "Doing nothing through faction or vain-glory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself" (Philippians 2.8).

But have you made a beginning to take part in the Assembly activities? The danger is that after a number of years in the Assembly the Lord has not as yet heard your voice leading in the Assembly prayer and praise. Do not hinder the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit Be prayerfully exercised to contribute a little, dear young brother. You will perhaps say that belonging to an Assembly where there are quite a number of older brethren there is no need of your help. Don't deceive yourself, and more, don't excuse yourself.

unknown | Dec 1953
General