Dear Faithful Few,
The following list of suggestions I, myself, have not at all mastered. Yet we are all a work in progress and never a finished product and thank God that we all have The Perfect Teacher. I pass down the wisdom that I have witnessed from living and effective representations of those who faithfully serve our One True Living God. I pray along with the church that He “fills your heart with joy and gladness that you having sufficiency in everything may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). A Blessed New Year of Service and Blessings from The One we serve to all of you. - Maggie Sleman
1- Forgetting your name and title weakens our discernment. Once you become a servant, you take on the following title: (Full Name), Servant of The Living God. We might forget this at a party, at work, or even when we’re angry. The faster you embrace your new undeserving title, the better you will navigate through life and lead others effectively.
"For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." (Titus 1:7-9),
"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." (Titus 2:7-8)
2- Sharing your personal past mistakes if they led you to fall into sin. Children often use this as an excuse to do the same since you’re living proof that they too will be fine regardless of a possibly destructive decision. Make no mistake that you will also be part of the debate at home.
"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
3- The older the child gets the more likely they are to plan another outing around your outings. Never assume that they are old enough to get home on their own. Door to door service is always safest and a text to the parent outlining the plan makes them safer from Satan’s schemes.
"And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts."(Mark 4:15)
4- You’re more than a friend, thus it is not accurate to present yourself as just that. You will be honest, encouraging and challenge them to spiritually grow in a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
"Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)
5- Do not ignore criticism rather welcome it! The chosen 12 made mistakes and only those of them who accepted reproof and guidance were able to change the world.
"The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the Lordis the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:31-33)
6- Your opinion is only relevant if it is aligned with The Holy Bible and grounded in His Gospel of love and mercy. This is why immersing yourself into His words should be done daily.
"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6)
"And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,"(2 Timothy 3:15-16)
"Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5),
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philipp. 2:5)
This blog post is part 1 of 2 of a valuable article written by Magdolen Sleman, our guest author. Maggie is a Therapist, School Counselor, Mom and the greatest of these, Servant of the Living God at St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church Jersey City, NJ. Stay Tuned for Part 2: (6 healthy habits of a Sunday school servant.)
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