Deeper Life #306

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

—Matthew 7:21

AS JESUS CHRIST TALKED TO His disciples, they grew more and more mystified. For example, take the question of being a “servant of God.” They did not understand what Jesus meant by that, any more than we will until we have received the Holy Spirit.

The difference between a servant of God and an instrument of God is brought out in Matthew 7:21–23. An instrument is a person whom God uses, whether that person is right or not. God will bless His Word, whether a saint or a sinner preaches it. But the servant of God lives in the fullness of His Spirit, evidencing the life of obedience.

Our Lord says in effect, “When you judge the work someone is doing, don’t judge by the fact that you see Me at work. Judge him by his fruit.” What is that? The fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit—i. e., character. Many can do the work of God, but no one can imitate the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Thought: Lord, I am your servant. Use me as You desire.

SUGGESTED READING: Matthew 7:21–23