Subscription Lists
The Way
by Kevin Pauley
A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master. If they called the head of the house 'Beelzebul,' how much more the members of his household! "Therefore, don't be afraid of them, since there is nothing covered that won't be uncovered, and nothing hidden that won't be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops. Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:24-28 HCSB
What is the difference between a Christian doormat and a servant of Christ Jesus?
A doormat hesitates to either witness boldly or rebuke sinning disciples, determining instead to be a “lifestyle witness.” A disciple understands that part of the “lifestyle” is boldly speaking the truth in love, seasoning the teaching with grace.[1]
A doormat seeks peace at any cost, even if it means compromising what is known to be true and right. A disciple is willing to bear whatever burden, lose everything else for the high prize of the calling of Christ.[2]
A doormat goes to the same dead church for years because that’s where family or friends go. A disciple follows wherever the Master calls.[3]
A doormat will temporize, obfuscate and procrastinate when it comes to confronting injustice, hypocrisy and sin. A disciple will wisely understand that a little leaven, if left alone, will only make the whole loaf rise. The longer sin is left in place the worse it gets and the harder it is to remove.[4]
A doormat is driven by fears and so holds back instead of gives so as not to risk being hurt. A disciple knows that a self-sacrificing life, driven by passion and true love for the Master and fellow man, is the only way to actually live.[5]
A doormat serves as long as pleasant wages are being received from the Master. A doormat serves only in sunshine and seeks only personal blessing and pleasure. A disciple serves regardless of the dark valley the Shepherd leads through.[6]
As Bonhoeffer said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” As the Lord said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life? What can a man give in exchange for his life? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."[7]
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Way" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.