Thoughts on Service

A. Cutting

In the Gospel of Mark—where we have portrayed for us the path of the Lord as the perfect Servant—we find two very significant verses in relation to those whom He called into His service. In Mark 1:17 we read, “Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men,” and in chapter 3:14, “He ordained twelve, that they might be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.”

In these verses there is stated the things necessary for effective service.

The first might include companionship and discipleship; the second might include commission and success.

In other words—

with Him                 —     communion,

after Him                 —     discipleship,

from Him                 —     commission,

by Him                    —     power—equipment.

Is it not important that we should first learn that our company is more to Him than our service for Him? He can dispense with our service—“God buries His servants and goes on with His work”—but He will not dispense with our company. Our company is necessary to Him for the satisfaction of His love, and His company is necessary to us if our service is to be acceptable and fruitful. In His company brusque nature is judged and harshness of spirit corrected. With Him we learn the divine art of winning men, and this cannot be learned in seminary or school.

A.Cutting

S.T. 1912