"A Servant Of Jesus Christ"

Romans 1:1

Preachers, true, gospel preachers are first and foremost, the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though they are not the servants of men, they are servants to men. They take their orders from Christ alone. Yet, they gladly serve the needs of men. Though they will not be lorded over by men, they are not lords over men. They are servants, the servants of Jesus Christ.

Many men want to preach. Few want to be servants. Many want to be pastors. Few want to be servants. But no man is a true preacher or pastor who is not a servant. A servant does not choose what work he will do. He does what his Master gives him to do. A servant does not decide where he will serve. He goes where his master sends him. A servant does not look after his own needs or the needs of his family. He looks after his master's business, and leaves it to his master to look after his and his family's needs.

"A servant of Jesus Christ" is a man who has willingly devoted himself to the service of Christ, and continually does so. He gives up everything to the rule of Christ. While this surrender is characteristic of all believers, it is and must be the pre-eminent characteristic of all who attempt to lead and instruct God's saints as gospel preachers. The preacher may or may not be a scholar, a theologian, an orator, or a linguist; but the preacher must be "a servant of Jesus Christ."

WHAT SHOULD I DO? How often I am asked that question! My answer is always the same - Do what you know to be right and you won't have to look back with regret. You will never regret doing what you know is right.

Don Fortner