Deacon Greg Matthews sat back in his big easy chair in the den. It was early Saturday afternoon, and the kids were out on an excursion with the church youth group, the wife was over at her sister’s house, and he had the house all to himself. It was rare that he had a Saturday to himself. Very rare. He had made a couple of sandwiches, and had some snacks, and a two liter bottle of coke, and he was going to sit back and watch college football all afternoon. He was just settling back in his chair when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. Jerry Westfield. “Man! What does he want now!” Deacon Matthews angrily thought to himself. “Doesn’t he have anything better to do on a Saturday afternoon, than bother me? I’m trying to watch the game!” He let the call go to voicemail, with the thought that he would call him back sometime later in the week. Jerry would understand.
Jerry Westfield was a new member who had just recently given his life to Christ. He had lived sort of a rough life, and had a lot of questions about his faith, and was always asking for prayer. His family had a lot of issues. He was part of Deacon Matthews’ Family Ministry group. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk to him, but this was Saturday afternoon, and he just wanted to relax and watch the game.
Deacon Matthews had been a deacon at 42nd Avenue Baptist Church for almost 15 years. When he was first asked if he would consider becoming a deacon, he knew it was God who called him to this ministry. He really enjoyed being deacon. It wasn’t about prestige, it was about service. Service to the pastor, and to the congregation. Sometimes though, he needed a break. Especially on a Saturday afternoon, when he had the house all to himself, and the game was on.
As Deacon Matthews sat in his big easy chair with the TV remote in his hand. He leaned is head back, and let out a deep sigh. Galatians 6:2 came to his mind. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Then Philippians 2:3-4 came to his mind. “Ok God. I get it.” Philippians 2:3-4 read, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.” As he put down the remote, and picked up his phone to call Jerry back, he said a short prayer thanking God for reminding him of his ministry of service, and to help him to remember to think of others before he thought of himself.
Thought: In service to God, I am last. God is first, and others are second. I am last.