Concerning the principle of Christian service, we seen to overlook the concept of being promoted right smack into the middle of a prison. Oh, we all desire the glory position that promotes fame. We long for the Billy Graham type spotlight, or the front-end showpiece to the 700 Club.

Now before you get out of round over these words, know that this article speaks no evil concerning either of the above. Indeed, I tremble at the prospect of being used so greatly as is Billy Graham or Pat Robertson. It would be a fearsome position to hold. The burden upon these two men must be immeasurable. On occasions, they must share the mind of Moses when he said:

“…LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?” (Numbers 11:11-12).

Ah, this concept of feeling the burden for people is such a far cry from the glory seeking church of America where everyone brags and boasts of their works, and their tithes, and their fasting, and their praying, and all the other self-proclaimed labors of self-righteousness that stand in the way of faith.

How many or us really want to serve God? How many of us seek God’s strength through our weaknesses? How many care more for the lost soul that for the glory?

Here is one who understands what I am speaking. Learn from him.

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice,” (Philippians 1:12-18).

The alleys are wallpapered with cardboard boxes. The prisons are Christian storehouses of lost souls. Hospital beds are crowded but the visitors are few. The sun lighted fields of foreign countries house many homeless.

Want to be a singer then sing to a few in the nursing home. Want to be a teacher then teach the men in the alleyways. Want to be a healer then minister to the broke and the hungry; and boast not about it. Want to be a preacher then preach from your heart and not from your pride.

Therein is the promotion from God.

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