0331. ARE WE SERVANTS OR FRIENDS?
ARE WE SERVANTS OR FRIENDS?
"Henceforth I call you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth, but I have called you friends" (Joh_15:15).
There are two classes spoken of here, servants and friends. These may represent two classes of Christians, or two different experiences in the Christian life. Those living in the outer and those in the inner court of communion. From these deeply significant words we may learn-
1. That it is a privilege to be a servant, but a greater privilege to be a friend. A man’s servants may not always be his friends. We may serve the Lord in a way without being happy in His friendship.
2. That servants are hired, but friends are made by voluntary choice. It is easy to get servants if the hire is very liberal. Friends are not purchased for money. Are we only serving the Lord for the material or social advantage it brings, or are we connected with Him by our own hearty voluntary choice? Servants or friends?
3. The servant knoweth not his master’s secret purposes, but his friends do. It is enough for the mere servant to obey, but the friend has the hidden things revealed to him (1Co_2:10). The hireling cannot receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, just because he is an hireling, and so the hidden wisdom cannot be imparted. The friends are wise in Christ, they have an unction from the Holy One, and know all things (Psa_25:14).
4. The servant works for wages, the friend serves for love. The love of Christ constrains those who live in the inner circle of His friendship. Those who serve for wages long for the lengthening of the shadow that they may cease their work. They are always glad when the given task is over. It is not so with the friends. They are found constantly saying, "What may I do for thee now?" They live for His Name’s honour and His cause’s good. To me to live is Christ.
5. The servant suggests obedience, but the friend fellowship. The Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" (Gen_18:17). Abraham was more than a servant, he was the "friend of God." Friends will show themselves friendly. If a man love Me he will keep My words. "Ye are My friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." What are ye? Hired servants or loving friends?
Autor: James Smith