Podcast Summary: "The Call" – Daily Radio Program with Charles Stanley
Podcast Information:
- Title: Daily Radio Program with Charles Stanley - In Touch Ministries
- Host: Dr. Charles Stanley
- Episode: The Call
- Release Date: February 10, 2025
- Description: Dr. Charles Stanley discusses the primary way believers can obey God's call to servanthood, emphasizing the integration of service and spiritual growth.
Introduction
In the episode titled "The Call," Dr. Charles Stanley delves into the concept of servanthood within the Christian faith. He explores how serving others is not only a directive from God but also a pathway to personal and spiritual growth. The discussion is deeply rooted in New Testament scriptures, providing a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a servant of God.
Servanthood as a Christian Calling
Dr. Stanley begins by highlighting the numerous titles attributed to Christians in the New Testament, such as ambassadors, believers, brothers, and servants. He emphasizes that among these, the term "servant" is pivotal.
Dr. Stanley (02:13): "Do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Referencing Galatians Chapter 5, he explains that believers are called to use their freedom in Christ not to indulge in sin but to serve others through love. This service is an expression of obedience to God and an integral part of a believer’s life.
The Relationship Between Service and Growth
Dr. Stanley asserts that servanthood is intrinsically linked to spiritual growth. Serving God leads to personal development as believers face challenges that test and strengthen their faith.
Dr. Stanley (05:45): "It is in our service that we grow in our relationship to Him."
He references John Chapter 12:26, where Jesus states, "If anyone serves me, let him follow me. And where I am, there shall my servant also be." This underscores that serving God involves following Jesus and growing alongside Him.
Dr. Stanley underscores that service is a two-way street; as believers serve, they grow spiritually, becoming more effective in their roles and faith.
Exercising Spiritual Gifts
The discussion transitions to the importance of spiritual gifts in service. Dr. Stanley cites 1 Peter 4:10 and Romans 12:6 to illustrate that each believer is endowed with unique gifts tailored for serving others.
Dr. Stanley (12:30): "Each one has received a special gift that's tailored to them. Employ it, put it to work in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
He explains that these spiritual gifts—whether they are teaching, giving, mercy, prophecy, or exhortation—are divine tools given to believers to fulfill God’s purposes. Exercising these gifts not only benefits the community but also enhances the believer’s spiritual maturity.
Serving in Various Contexts: Church and Beyond
Dr. Stanley emphasizes that servanthood extends beyond the church walls into all aspects of a believer’s life, including the workplace and daily interactions.
Dr. Stanley (18:40): "Ministry takes place in your life when the divine resources of God meet a human need through a loving servant."
He illustrates this by giving examples such as encouraging a discouraged coworker, assisting someone in financial need, or helping a colleague improve their performance. These acts of service are seen as ministry, reflecting God’s love and grace in everyday settings.
Dr. Stanley challenges the traditional view that only church activities constitute service. Instead, he promotes a "mentality of servanthood," where every interaction is an opportunity to serve God by serving others.
The Servanthood Mentality
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to cultivating a servanthood mentality. Dr. Stanley encourages believers to adopt an attitude of constant readiness to serve, irrespective of the setting.
Dr. Stanley (28:15): "Servanthood is a mentality. It is an attitude that God wants for all of his children because it is the pattern of our Lord Jesus Christ."
He warns against complacency and the temptation to give minimal effort in small ministries or roles, highlighting that God values diligence and excellence in all forms of service. This approach ensures that believers remain active, engaged, and growing in their faith.
Challenges and Encouragement
Addressing potential challenges, Dr. Stanley acknowledges feelings of inadequacy or discouragement in one's current role. He reassures listeners that God’s purpose in their service includes growth and that struggles are part of the journey.
Dr. Stanley (17:50): "God always honors our best. Because he's measuring us for future service."
He encourages perseverance, reminding believers that their efforts are seen and valued by God, even when immediate results are not evident. This perspective fosters resilience and a deeper commitment to serving faithfully.
Conclusion
Dr. Charles Stanley concludes by reiterating the significance of servanthood as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. He calls on listeners to actively seek opportunities to serve, whether within the church or in their everyday environments, embodying the love and humility of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Stanley (29:10): "Servanthood is all about giving ourselves away to God by giving ourselves away to other people."
He urges believers to embrace a servanthood mentality, ensuring that their lives consistently reflect their dedication to God’s purposes and their commitment to serving others.
Key Takeaways
- Servanthood is a Core Christian Identity: Believers are called to serve others as an expression of their faith and obedience to God.
- Service and Spiritual Growth are Interconnected: Engaging in service challenges and strengthens one's faith, fostering personal development.
- Exercising Spiritual Gifts Enhances Service: Utilizing unique spiritual gifts allows believers to serve more effectively and fulfill their divine purposes.
- Service Extends Beyond the Church: Serving God involves everyday actions in all areas of life, promoting a consistent servanthood mentality.
- Perseverance in Service is Rewarded: God honors diligent service, encouraging believers to remain steadfast despite challenges.
Final Quote:
Dr. Stanley (19:29): "Whatever our Lord wants is a mentality of servanthood that whether I'm in the grocery store or behind the pulpit, whether I'm driving down the expressway or sitting in my home, servanthood is a mentality."
For more insights from Dr. Charles Stanley and to explore In Touch Ministries, visit intouch.org.