SERVITUDE IS NOT EASY

In the Garden of Eden, man was created by God and was given a mind to make his own decisions; plus, he was morally upright. He had dominion over everything along with a garden graced with many trees. He could eat thereof with the exception of the one that was in the midst of the garden. This one belonged to God. Did he respect God’s directive? No, he chose the very tree that was forbidden. Thus, he was driven out of the garden. God placed Cherubims and a flaming sword to keep the way of the tree of life (Genesis 3: 22-24).

Now as we look back on this incident through the scriptures, it would appear what was required of Adam and Eve was relatively simple. They had to keep the garden, have dominion over all living creatures, and refrain from eating of the one tree in the midst of the garden. It wasn’t until Satan stirred their desire for the forbidden tree. It was at this point that keeping the commands of the Lord ceased to be easy. Sin results when we yield to forbidden desires, “…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15 NIV).

When one becomes a Christian that individual surrenders himself wholly and completely over to Jesus Christ (Matthew 16: 24)). He becomes the Lord’s “bond servant” (Romans 6: 17-18). The Christian becomes a servant when he leaves the way of the world and surrenders to Lord.

Surrendering to the Lord does not appear to be difficult while one is listening to the promises via the scriptures. Like many jobs that man undertakes because he is looking past the responsibilities toward the benefits, they do not become difficult until accountability is called upon. Being a servant of the Lord is easy and the benefits are beyond man’s greatest imagination provided that the person can serve, while at the same time withstanding the voice of the opposition.

The duty of being a servant of the Lord does not begin until one has completed his obedience to Christ in baptism. Satan is the opposition and he does not surface until one is baptized. It is then Satan attempts to make the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life more important than salvation (I John 2:16). Satan did not come to Jesus until after he was baptized and then he proceeded to tempt Him for forty days and forty nights (Mark 1:13). It was there Jesus proved to mankind that God had not put the impossible before him (man) to endure. He proved that man could be successful against Satan. As servants of Christ it is incumbent on every Christian to defeat. How? James says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 KJV).

You enter the service of the Lord carrying the “cross” that was on you prior to baptism, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 ASV). Then once one has entered he must take up his spiritual “yoke,” “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30 ASV). The benefits of being a servant only come after suffering (Romans 8: 17-19). But even though it is not easy being a servant it is made easy by the Lord. He is not going to allow us to suffer beyond our ability to endure. The afflictions we receive are light (II Corinthians 4: 17:18). RB