WHAT PROVES ONE A TRUE SERVANT OF GOD?

2 Kings 1:12
But Elijah answered them, "If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty." Then the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty".

If one performs a miracle or prophesies and it comes to pass, should this be enough proof one is a true servant of God?

As if when Elijah replied to the captain that if I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume thee with your fifty (2 Kings 1:12), he wanted to prove he was a man of God?

So, it is a proven fact that a spectrum of people would love to be proven they are servants of God by way of having miracles performed in their hands.

Jesus taught that; "Unless you see miracles and wonders, you will never believe" (John 4:48). But He also cautioned that when the evil one comes, he will work spectacular, miraculous signs and perform wonderful things, and he shall deceive, if possible the very elect (Matthew 24:24).

What then proves one is a true servant of God?

Not every servant of God is to be proven by possessing powers to perform miracles and wonders. For according to scripture, we aren't all gifted the same. Not even when are we gifted the same, that we follow the same pattern. Say if we are all gifted as prophets, how each prophesies can never be similar to how another does/did it. So, each one has been called in a unique way.

For consider that the prophets of the Bible days can be categorized as Messianic prophets and non-Messianic prophets. For example; well as Isaiah was a Messianic prophet, Jeremiah was never such a prophet. So, upon this, each one ought to follow the pattern how we have been called, but how we would want to be called (1Corinthians 12:28).

Yet despite all this, it is pretty clear that everybody is craving to have a miracle or wonder performed in their hands (many a time much in disregard of what calling they are). For all seem to think it is only when you perform a miracle or a wonder that you are affirmed an indisputable servant of God.

A servant in the body of Christ begins with being Christian. With that then, one is only proven a servant of God if they are Christian. He (a servant) must have faith in the one in whose name he is to serve. It is thus much more important to live first as a child of God before we are servants. That is; to be Christian should supersede anything else.

The key factor therefore is being Christian or Born Again for that matter. For Heaven is only accessible by way of being Born Again and not by way of being servants. But if we are to be servants, we have to be servants of Christ Jesus for that matter.

Every human needs Christ

Character testifies we are for Christ, and not ministry (Matthew 7:15-20). Rather, it is not that we are servants that we are justified. We are justified because we have surrendered to Christ. For it is one thing to be called to serve, it is another to be proven to be a servant of God.

Before He performed a single miracle, Jesus had to be proven a servant of God. He was baptized and thereafter, He was led to the mountain to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11), (Luke 4:1-13). This was an approval process. Thus to say; the calling is not an end in itself. 

A servant must be proven he is a servant. For the calling is not only in the spiritual, but in all areas of our lives. Many people who have been called to serve have failed to reach their predestined heights simply because they fear or don't want to go through the approval process. 

At one time, we were sinners and already condemned. We are only saved by the unceasing grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:5-8). If you are ware that you are saved but by God's grace, then you are pretty much on the right way. For our calling can only be shaped just how God has called us.

Short of knowing and understanding the fact that we are saved but by God's abundant grace, you will always be faced with struggles in your Christian life and ministry. For you ought to note that just as you are only saved by the grace of God, so are you a servant of God only by God's grace and appointment (1Timothy 1:12), (Ephesians 3:7), (Colossians 1:25), (Romans 1:1). There is no one Christian, or servant of God for that matter ever had the right, ever deserved it, or ever merited it to be what they are if it is not for God's grace through Jesus Christ His Son.

Resist conceit

It is important that as servants, (more so as Christians) to desist from conceit. For there should be not the slightest reason for any one to be conceited because none could have ever done a thing to save a zero soul. For the proof that we are servants of God is by humility and not by over perceiving ourselves. For humility breaks walls but pride isolates us.

As a servant of God, you must consider that you are nothing more than that (1Corinthians 3:1-11, 3:5, 4:7). Desist from being conceited (Galatians 6:3), (1Corithians 8:2), (1Timothy 3:6, 6:3-4), (Romans 12:16). Subject yourself to love to learn more and you will be getting yourself better than if you limit yourself to who you are.

For the process of proof demands that we desist from corrupting God's word and from being self seekers (2Corinthians 2:15-17). For it is by adhering unto the truth of the word that you are a sweet savor of Christ.

In this then, a prophet is no more than a teacher of the word. For by character, we are proven and not by the calling (1Timothy 3:1-13), (Titus 1:7-9).

Scripture likens us in Christ to the different parts of the human body (Romans 12:4-9), (Ephesians 4:11), (1Corinthians 12:12-20). That just as every single body part has its own function it plays, so are we in Christ.

The hand can't do the walking, the ear can't do the talking. And it is that every part of the body will only function how it is designed. The source of confusion is in one body part seeking to function how it is not designed. This is the source of endless conflicts in Church.

Why are the two gifts (miracles and prophecy) so craven for and so attractive?

The two gifts are fiercely craven for because they are about real life matters. For we all love to see our lives improve in literal terms and whoever gives hope they will stands a chance to draw much of one's attention. A healing miracle for example, or financial breakthrough for that matter can be a cracker.

It indeed it is of God that a miracle is performed. But Jesus taught that; what is at hand is to save the soul and all the rest are simply additions (Mark 8:36), (Luke 12:16-21), (Matthew 16:26; 6:33). For a man's life is not in the abundance of the things he possesses (Luke 12:15).

Yet Jesus Himself performed miracles. So the issue is not the miracles per Se, for they a sign that God is, but they are never an end in themselves. For that, we should not be working for miracles, but that we have the hope of eternal life. For our hope in Christ should never only be placed in the perishable things of this world (1Corinthians 15:19).

Jesus Christ came to save the soul and not the perishable flesh as it may intend to be perceived. According to Jesus, we should not rejoice because we perform miracles, but because our names are written in the book of life (Luke 10:17-20). For if miracles had been an end in themselves, all the people of Jesus days should have believed in and Him. But they did not, because it is not all about miracles, but faith in Christ Jesus.

Many Bible servants of God can give us a clear view. Take for example the case of the Prophet Jeremiah. There is no literal miracle I know of which was performed in the hands of the Prophet Jeremiah. Yet he is indeed a proven man of God.

Take also the case of John the Baptist. Is there literally any life miracle that was ever performed in the hands of John the Baptist? Yet crowds followed him to the deserts despite the miserable life he literally lived. Jesus testified of John the Baptist that he was such a precious and lovely servant of God, yet the least in heaven is greater than John (Luke 7:24-30). As that, despite having not been seen perform a miracle, John is an indisputable servant of God.

 What is most important?

Character is paramount, and not the ministry thereof. Jesus loves us for the soul, and not for the perishable body. It is even wiser to approve yourself a servant of God before seeking to be approved by others (Galatians 1:10), (Ephesians 4:1), (2Corinthians 6:3-10).

Yet you should never labor to please men but God (John 5:44). Desist from laboring to please anybody but work tirelessly to be proven a servant of God In the same vein, present yourself to those you have been called to serve (2Timothy 2:15). 

A servant is no more than his master (Matthew 10:24), (John 13:16, 15:20). For a servant (regardless of what calling they are) is simply a steward, and which is but only by God's grace (1Corithians 4:1-2), (2Corinthians 3:1-6, 4:5), (Luke 17:7-10). It would therefore only be prestigious to have a miracle performed in one's hands if that is what their calling/anointing is.

So, it is God who makes us acceptable to everybody. And that is how we keep to the right path. Otherwise, one should be content with the calling wherewith they have been called and desist from stage managing. If you insist to carry on stage managing, be made to know that you are not at all helping yourself but tarnishing both yourself and the calling thereof.

Conclusively then, what is at hand is you having embraced Jesus Christ and consequently a Christian and not a servant. A true Christian servant should much more importantly be a true Christian. As that, your pride should come from being a true Christian much more than being a servant. Are you such a person?

For if I have been used mightily, if I have moved mountains, raised the dead, healed the sick and have wrestled giants down but with no assurance to the resurrection of eternal life, of what meaning is that to me? (1Corinthians 15:32). It surely makes no meaning to have a great name but all ends up with that. The supreme promise is only that of eternal life and not the great name I assume upon how I have mightily been used.

Have you had a miracle performed in your hands? Was it so because you are such a faithful servant? No not at all. How are you a servant of God? Whichever way, you are no more than unfaithful servant.

For what is it about? Is it the miracle or the truth? What are we servants for? Are we servants for miracles or for the truth? Do you have answers to these questions? Well, I do. For we are not servants for miracles and wonders but for the truth. The truth is Jesus Christ who is our only hope of resurrection.

Scripture is rather clear that we are proven by living exemplary lives, and being equipped with the knowledge of the word of God and not by performing miracles and signs (2Timothy 2:1-5, 2:14-15). For though they can be as good, miracles and signs are but for the hard heartened and the non-believers (1Corinthians 1:22).

For take a closer look at the character of the people who asked Jesus for miracles and signs, and the reasons for which they did ask for those miracles and signs. They more often than not did so to tempt Jesus rather than to believe Him (Matthew12:38-41). It is on this fact that many believers (who have not been rooted in the gospel) have rather been swayed by the uncontrollable greed for miracles and wonders (no matter where from and how they are done).

For that you speak God's word, that you speak life and hope in people's lives can be just enough. Do you notice that the people of Nineveh did not need to see miracles and signs to dress in sackcloth and break down in tears of repentance? (Jonah 3). The word of God spoken by Jonah was just as good to change lives. The word of God can be effective even when not accompanied with miracles and signs. Just keep steadfast in it.

Jesus Christ is the spine of our faith. Rather to seek to be like Elijah who called fire from heaven and it did come, or to seek to be like Peter who witnessed the death of Ananias and Sapphira, it would be more edifying, and of more spiritual profit to seek to be like Jesus whose record is clear and free of sin.

For much as he called the fire from heaven and indeed it did come and burnt up the captain and his fifty, we can't say this was the best way Elijah was to demonstrate the anointing upon his life.

For many Christians who have not labored to envisage Jesus' mission still relish that we can have a prophet (in these days of the New Testament of grace) after the manner of Elijah. Yet for the days of a prophet after the manner of Elijah and the character thereof will not come again.

Elijah commands fire from heaven

When Jesus was faced with the same challenge as Elijah was, and He was asked to do the same in a similar manner as Elijah had done, He declined it and said He hadn't come to destroy men's life but to save it (Luke 9:52-56). Meaning God's power is but to save life. For the spirit of Satan is but to destroy, but the where there is the Spirit of God, there is liberty (2Corinthians 3:17).