Every now and then, I talk to someone who wants to join the church and become a volunteer. I listen to their motivations and intentions; and occasionally, some simply want to serve and are happy to do what is asked of them, without preconceptions. They didn't come to do 'their ministry'. And then their heart sings.
They also don't say that I am the greatest servant of God they have ever met, and that they will be by my side for eternity; they simply want to serve. There is something wrong when we need people to sing about our magnificence and munificence and promise us 'eternal love.' Practically everyone who has ever spoken to me in this way are no longer there; without regret.
At the very beginning, we asked for their expectations; today, we state our expectations; we explain where we are going, what our mission is, and what we expect from those who wish to walk the path with us. Our values: openness, flexibility, refusal of offense, the quest for spiritual maturity, accepting to suffer, to love, and to forgive. Suffering, offense, aaagh. It's surprising, but... serving isn't always a pleasure, it must be said.
Zeal is annoying, even in church. And then it must be said that the devil doesn't see all this in a good light; he always feels obliged to throw a spanner in the works. People will irritate you, annoy you, frustrate you, what reaction? Keep going, always keep going, with joy. Thus the Bible says that 'it is the Lord Christ you serve'
Then comes joy, enthusiasm, passion. This eminently joyful letter to the Philippians was written from prison, by a man happy to serve God, who did not give up in difficult times. As a spiritual leader, one can spend one's time trying to please people who imagine that every hint of sadness and suffering is a sign that God is taking them 'elsewhere' where they will be happy, since these days 'happiness' is a tough competitor to piety.
You cannot guarantee happiness to anyone simply by joining a church, but happiness, or rather joy, is guaranteed to those who are willing to receive and apply God's word, to please God in all things, and to love with a radical love.
Any other attitude would be facetious.
Magnificent!
Nothing to add to this observation. Nothing!
In His service, God always finds a way to bring us back to order. And I realize one thing: I could not and would not deceive Him, I could not and would not defy Him.
So I am learning to give glory to God for everything: successes and failures; no need to panic when everything doesn't seem to be going my way, much less to be proud when everything is going my way.
Finally! I understood something that comes out so well in this article: I have nothing to prove to anyone! Wow, nothing to prove to men! A more humble attitude with God.
Trials break down our pretenses. With experience, we assert ourselves, we no longer nod our heads in agreement for everything, we no longer laugh simply to please, our limits become those set by God: what matters is to be at His service or simply to please Him!
God, who has become a reality for those who seek him, gives us grace: we meet “beautiful people,” men and women who have a sense of divine service and love to communicate it…
Let me savor this message once again, the fruit of a real personal experience.