Third Letter (to the 'called' leaders)
B |
lessed are those whom Christ called to perfect the saints, whose heart is toward God, with Christ being our perfect example who gave himself as a sacrifice and not a sacrifice of convenience. The apostles, being ministers of righteousness, were to be as servants, as Christ demonstrated by washing the feet of His disciples. For as being called as servants , loving the brethren as we love Christ, we are to bear in the body, with humbleness and meekness, the responsibility to serve the body through the spirit as needed. For if we walk in the flesh as servants, we will serve in the flesh as servants and neglect and put to shame the love of God which is promised to the saints. Blessed are those who have and are answering their call with a spirit of humbleness, without pride, and not thinking of themselves more than they should. Blessed are those who do not compare themselves to others or commend themselves with others for that is the taking of the eyes off Christ who called you. Be encouraged and guard your heart from pride from which cometh shame and destruction. For if there be any boasting, let it be for the saints whose spiritual growth and commitment to Christ is established by your commitment to Christ. Walk after the spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.