THE ACCEPTABLE SERVICE

As introduction, it is important to discuss the essence of this topic. The Bible says in First Corinthians 10:23,

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”

This is the King James Version of the Bible. The Easy-to-Read Version renders the same text thus:

“"All things are allowed," you say. But not all things are good. "All things are allowed." But some things don't help anyone.”

This scripture is alerting us that there may be things which are not clearly marked in the law as wrong, but which are wrong all the same. Even though they are allowed under the law, they are not good enough for our welfare, both physical and spiritual.

Many are the things which people (Christians, including ministers of God) do which are wrong, but which they seek to refer to one portion or the other of the Bible to justify.

Several years ago, for example, a certain minister of God and I were engaged in an argument over the practice of polygamy - he had two wives. In seeking to justify it, he referred me to the Bible stories of David and others like him who had multiple wives.

This exactly is happening in the service of God today. A lot of people are doing a lot of things, wrong things, in the name of working in the vineyard of God. The truth of the matter is that so many of us are only allowed to work, but their work is not good, and so is unacceptable - though it may be vitally useful and may produce some good and wonderful results.

The truth, however, is that it is not results that matter. It is not sufficient to produce results in ministry and service. No. The vital question is this: “Are your results acceptable?”

There is a verse that sort of frightens me in the epistle of Apostle Paul to the Christians in Philippi. Philippians 1:18 addresses the issue of results that are produced anyhow, whether in the right way or in the wrong way:

“What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”

The implication of this is that we may all be producing results in the course of our serving in the Lord’s vineyard. The minister or worker that is serving in pretence is producing results; the one that is serving in truth is also producing results.

Both ministers (one serving in truth and one serving in pretence) are producing results in the sight of both God and men. The results of the one serving in pretence, though useful here on earth, are unacceptable to God and, therefore, will not attract any recognition and award in heaven on the day of reckoning.