Being Served

Our mate John Piper, in his book Future Grace, talks about 'The Debtor's Ethic' where rather than feeling gratitude for something, we think 'because you have done something good for me, I feel indebted to do something good for you'. Piper explores this concept in relationship to us trying to 'repay' God's grace. This book is great and I strongly recommend it.

But tonight I am more concerned about the Debtor's Ethic as it relates to being served by our Christian brothers and sisters. The New Testament is so clear about our responsibilities to one another and I have spent much time thinking about and praying about serving others in a way that pleases God (this is something I struggle so much with because of my pride and self-absorption)

But what about being served? James 5:14 gives us clear instruction about praying for the sick. "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." Tomorrow, a group of my friends are gathering to pray, or are putting aside time to pray, for me. This has been organised by my friend Joy, a great prayer-warrior. Such a strange feeling to plan to go to a "Jill Prayer Night". Don't get me wrong I have asked for prayer many many times over the past 2 years, and my friends have shown amazing faithfulness and perseverance in praying for me, but to actually rock up to my own prayer night is a bit bizarre.

My dear, wise friend Phil said to me many months ago, that maybe my ministry to the church at this time is to be served. I couldn't really cope with thinking about that at the time - it seemed so pitiful to have only that to offer, but surely it is only foolish pride to think that is any less valuable than women's ministry, children's ministry, service leading, or any other ministry.
And do I not have to obey this command to 'call the elders of the church to pray over me' as much as any other?

So tonight I will pray that God will grant me the grace to overcome my debtor's ethic and accept the love, prayer and ministry of my Christian brother's and sisters in the spirit in which it is commanded and in the name of the Lord.

I would love to hear your thoughts/comments on whether you think being prayed for can actually be considered to be a ministry.