In my ministry to others I will follow the principle of no advantage. It is characteristic of the natural man to serve those who are in a position to return the service, whether in business, politics, or unfortunately, even in Christian service. Too often I have been guilty of this despicable practice. By God’s grace, no more!
Paul thanked the Philippians for supporting him and ministering to him in spite of his “bonds,” his prison chains (Philippians 1:3-7, KJV). Those good-hearted Philippians were using the principle of no advantage. In return, Paul could only thank them and promise to pray for them. Yet, that was enough! Paul must have remembered when Ananias visited him after his conversion and called him “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17). No advantage for Ananias there; in fact, danger! Barnabas did the same thing for Saul when He befriended him before the leaders at Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). Two friends in his time of need – Ananias and Barnabas – helped a shunned convert because of their love for Christ.
Whom do I befriend? Whom do I help? Whom do I minister to? Do I seek the renowned, the wealthy, the prominent and serve them in the fond hope that someday they will accept me, recognize me, honor me? I can be just as guilty of “Hollywoodism” in the church as outside of it. I can be just as carnal in exalting “stars” of the Christian church as I can in honoring “stars” of the world. The object of my ministry is the brother in need, whoever he is, the man “fallen among thieves,” the one who cannot pay me back. Let Jesus be my example. He did not seek that which is mine; He sought me (2 Corinthians 12:14), and thus set the pattern for all His servants.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:44-45).
Daily with the King 