© 2024 Philip M Spence
Sons function differently from servants or slaves. There is a great emphasis on serving in the organised church. So much so that many believers have not been taught about sonship. Serving is important, but their ignorance robs them of serving as sons.
Sons function from the revelation that they are heirs of God. They understand that all that the Father has is theirs. When we compare the role of a servant with the function of a son, we can clearly see the practice of sonship. Let us look at a dozen ways to contrast servants and sons.
Firstly, a servant is bound in subservience to the master. A servant is subordinate and can tend to feel controlled by the master, and contained regarding what he can say and do. A son has a sense of significance as a son of the Father. A son has the freedom to function with the Father because He is not his employer.
Secondly, a servant finds his tribe amongst other servants. Like birds of a feather, they flock together, supporting each other at times and competing at other times. A son knows he is part of the family because his identity is from his Father. He is most comfortable with the Father and amongst other sons of God.
Thirdly, a servant is concerned with where he fits in the hierarchy or pecking order. A servant is usually angling for a better position with greater benefits. A son has a sense of acceptance and belonging in the family of God. Sons are grounded in their relationship with the Father and each other. They live and function in the ongoing benefits of being a member of the family.
Fourth, a servant can be constantly looking for approval because his role is performance-based. A servant needs approval from the master. A son is secure in himself and is confident he has his Father’s approval. Sons have nothing to prove and are secure in the knowledge that their Father accepts them and approves of them.
Fifth, a servant does not usually have a vision for the future. A servant’s vision is usually fixed on the completion of a task, or the successful performance of the role given to him. A son catches the Father’s view of the future. A son has a generational view and is focussed on producing outcomes with far-reaching implications.
Sixth, a servant does not possess the mindset of the master that he serves. A servant’s mindset tends to be focussed on the task at hand, his role, and on his own affairs. A son has the heart and mind of his Father. A son’s perspective is bigger than his own needs. A son will mature to have the Father’s overview of His family.
Seventh, a servant does not have the big picture. A servant’s view is the successful fulfillment of his role. A son is consumed by honouring the Father’s name and advancing the Father’s business which is His Kingdom purposes in the earth. A son’s picture becomes wide and long.
Eighth, in his heart, a servant usually wants more privileges and less responsibilities. A servant can tend to want to do less and be paid more. A son knows he has all the privileges and responsibilities of being a member of the family. He has inalienable rights because he is a son of his Father. And he tends to shoulder responsibilities with joy because he is consumed by the big picture of the family.
Ninth, a servant wants to do well so he can impress his employer and keep his job. A servant is driven by the need to earn honour from his master. A son knows he has the favour of his Father. The Father’s favour does not have to be earned. It is intrinsic to the Father/son relationship. In fact, the Father’s favour goes before His sons.
Tenth, a servant sees what he has to do today, or this week, and thinks about what he will be paid for doing it. The focus is on the immediate rather than on the big picture. A son does what needs to be done today as part of the big picture of the family. He sees everything in the context of the Father’s vision for His family.
A servant works for his reward, and if it does not meet his expectations, he can be disappointed, upset, or even angry. A servant needs affirmation, encouragement, and incentive. A son looks beyond a wage or salary and works toward profit sharing and receiving a share of the inheritance. A son is rewarded by producing the outcomes envisaged by the Father.
Finally, a servant thinks about how he will spend his earnings to meet his needs, enjoy what he desires, and make a life for himself. A son thinks about how to invest his earnings to honour the name of the Father and advance the family business. A son’s needs are taken care of in the family. A son enjoys the fruit of his labour and is able to do the things that he enjoys. And a son already has a life in relationship with the Father and his brothers.
The above is an excerpt from the book Receive: Accessing the Fullness of Heaven. To order or download your copy, go to Amazon.com or click the button below:
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Phil Spence is an author, speaker, mentor and musician. He leads Enlarj, a relational apostolic network influencing more than 20 nations. He oversees School of the Kingdom in many of these nations. Phil is internationally recognised as an apostle. Phil may be contacted via phil@enlarj.com
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