Eastern Lightning | What is the difference between a good servant and an evil servant?
Relevant Words of God:
Those who serve God should be God’s intimates, they should be beloved by God, and capable of the utmost loyalty to God. Regardless of whether you act behind people, or in front of them, you are able to gain the joy of God before God, you are able to stand firm before God, and regardless of how other people treat you, you always walk your own path, and give every care to God’s burden. Only this is an intimate of God.That God’s intimates are able to serve Him directly is because they have been given God’s great commission, and God’s burden, they are able to take God’s heart as their own, and God’s burden as their own, and they give no consideration to whether they gain or lose prospect: Even when they have no prospects, and they will gain nothing, they will always believe in God with a loving heart. And so, this kind of person is God’s intimate. God’s intimates are also His confidants; only God’s confidants could share His restlessness, and His wants, and although their flesh is painful and weak, they are able to endure pain and forsake that which they love to satisfy God. God gives more burdens to such people, and that which God shall do is expressed through these people. Thus, these people are beloved by God, they are servants of God who are after His own heart, and only people such as this can rule together with God.
The work of a qualified worker can bring people to the right way and allow them to go deeper into the truth. The work he does can bring people before God. In addition, the work he does can vary from individual to individual and is not bound by rules, allowing people release and freedom. Moreover, they can gradually grow in life, go progressively deeper into the truth. The work of an unqualified worker falls far short; his work is foolish. He can only bring people into rules; what he demands of people does not vary from individual to individual; he does not work according to the actual needs of the people. In this type of work, there are too many rules and too many doctrines, and it cannot bring people into reality or into normal practice of growth in life. It can only enable people to stand by a few worthless rules. This kind of guidance can only lead people astray. He leads you to become what he is like; he can bring you into what he has and is.
Each of you, as people who serve, must be able to defend the interests of the church in all things you do, rather than looking out for your own interests. It is unacceptable to go it alone, where you undermine him and he undermines you. People acting this way are not fit to serve God! The disposition of this sort of person is so bad; not an ounce of humanity remains in them. They are one-hundred-percent Satan! They are beasts! Even now such things as this still occur among you, going so far as to attack each other during fellowship, intentionally seeking pretexts, getting all red in the face arguing over some little thing, neither person willing to put himself aside, each person hiding what’s inside from the other, watching the other party intently and being on guard. Can this kind of disposition befit service to God? Can such work as yours give supply to the brothers and sisters? Not only are you unable to guide people onto a correct life course, you actually inject your corrupt dispositions into the brothers and sisters. Are you not hurting others? Your conscience is so bad, rotten to the core! You do not enter into reality, and do not put the truth into practice. Moreover you shamelessly expose your devilish nature to other people, you absolutely know no shame! The brothers and sisters have been entrusted to you, but you take them to hell. Aren’t you a person whose conscience has gone rotten? You are utterly shameless!
Many people behind Me covet the blessing of status, they gorge themselves on food, they love to sleep and give every care to the flesh, always afraid that there is no way out of the flesh. They do not perform their normal function in the church, and eat for free, or else admonish their brothers and sisters with My words, they stand up high and lord it over others. These people keep saying they are carrying out God’s will, they always say they are God’s intimates—is this not absurd? If you have the right motivations, but are unable to serve God’s will, then you’re being foolish; but if your motivations aren’t right, and you still say you serve God, then you are someone who opposes God, and you ought to be punished by God! I have no sympathy for such people! In the house of God they eat for free, and always covet the comforts of the flesh, and give no consideration to the interests of God; they always seek what’s good for them, they pay no heed to God’s will, all that they do is not looked upon by God’s Spirit, they’re always maneuvering and plotting against their brothers and sisters, and being two-faced, like a fox in a vineyard, always stealing grapes and trampling over the vineyard. Could such people be God’s intimates? Are you fit to receive God’s blessings? You take no responsibility for your life and the church, are you fit to receive God’s commission? Who would dare trust someone like you? When you serve like this, could God dare to entrust you with a greater task? Are you not delaying things?
Serving God is no simple task. Those whose corrupt disposition is not changed can never serve God. If your disposition has not been judged and chastised by God’s word, then your disposition still represents Satan. This is sufficient to prove that your service of God is out of your own good intention. It is service based on your satanic nature. You serve God with your natural character, and according to your personal preferences; what’s more, you keep thinking that God loves whatever you like, and that God hates whatever you do not like, and your work is guided entirely by your own preferences. Can this be called serving God? Ultimately your life disposition will not be changed one iota. In fact, you will become more stubborn because you have been serving God, and it will make your corrupt disposition deeply ingrained. Inside yourself, you will develop doctrines of service to God based on nothing more than your own character, and the experience derived from your serving according to your own disposition. This is human experience and lessons. It is man’s philosophy of life. People like this are among the Pharisees and the religious officials. If they never wake up and repent, then they will ultimately turn into the false Christs who will appear in the last days. They will be deceivers. The false Christs and deceivers that were spoken of shall come from this type of people. If those who serve God follow their character and act according to their own will, then they are in constant danger of being cast out. Those who apply their many years of experience to serving God to ensnare the hearts of people, lecture and control people, elevate themselves—and who never repent, never confess, never renounce the benefits of position—these people will fall down before God. They are people of the same type as Paul, conceited with and showing off their seniority. God will not perfect people like this. This kind of service interferes with the work of God. People love to cling to the old. They cling to the notions of the past, cling to things from the past. This is a great obstacle to their service. If you cannot throw them off, those things will throttle your whole life. God will not commend you, not in the slightest, not even if you run your legs off or break your back laboring, nor even if you are martyred in your service of God. Quite the contrary: He will say that you are an evildoer.
Any who do not understand the purpose of God’s work are those who stand against God, and even more so are those who are aware of the purpose of God’s work yet do not seek to satisfy God. Those who read the Bible in grand churches recite the Bible every day, yet not one understands the purpose of God’s work. Not one is able to know God; moreover, not one is in accord with the heart of God. They are all worthless, vile men, each standing on high to teach God. Though they brandish the name of God, they willfully oppose Him. Though they label themselves believers of God, they are ones who eat the flesh and drink the blood of man. All such men are devils who devour the soul of man, demons who purposefully disturb those who try to step onto the right path, and stumbling blocks that impede the path of those who seek God. Though they are of “robust flesh,” how are their followers to know that they are antichrists who lead man in opposition to God? How are they to know that they are living devils who specially seek souls to devour?
The Man’s Fellowship:
Church leaders and workers at all levels can be divided into three types of people. It is more appropriate to describe these three types of people as loyal servants, treacherous servants and evil servants: The first type can truly obey God’s work, are able to defend God’s work whilst performing their duties, can leave everything behind and exert all their efforts for God and can exalt and witness God. This group of people are truly in pursuit of the truth, seek to be perfected and are classified as God’s loyal servants. The second type do not have the reality of the truth, are unable to defend God’s work whilst performing their duties, do not act in accordance with work arrangements, do whatever they want and act recklessly, treat people with emotion, act according to their liking of the flesh, do not observe the principles of the truth, practice the truth with great difficulty, often engage in transactions with God; they take the path of the antichrist and are classified as treacherous servants. The third type are arrogant and conceited, pursue status, are ambitious and always want to control God’s chosen people and rule supremely and suppress and discriminate against those who disagree with them, restrain, bind and entrap God’s chosen people, try to control God’s chosen people to make an independent kingdom; they are classified as wicked people who are the same kind as false leaders and antichrists, that is, evil servants. …
… The Holy Spirit works in those whose humanity is good and who love the truth. Those who do not have good humanity and do not love the truth cannot receive the work of the Holy Spirit. When one’s human nature is treacherous, vicious and insidious, then they are an evil person and of course classified as an evil servant. Evil servants are the enemies of God and the object of God’s curse and punishment. It is a very appropriate fit to use loyal servants (like loyalists that nonbelievers speak of), treacherous servants (like treacherous court officials that nonbelievers speak of) and evil servants (like treacherous scum that nonbelievers speak of) to describe these three types of leaders and workers. Those people who are classified as loyal servants are more honest and have a conscience and sense and uphold God’s work throughout doing their duty. They are all the leaders and workers who are obedient and loyal to God and are the object of God’s salvation and perfection. Those people who are classified as treacherous servants do not love the truth, are not willing to pursue the truth and do not show true obedience to God. In carrying out their duty, they do whatever they want. They treat people based on emotions and are not fair and reasonable. In serving God they resist God, follow the flesh, and do things without principles, even trading with God. Sometimes they may betray the truth and God and even work against the interest of God’s family, not maintaining God’s work in the slightest. This type of people is classified as treacherous servants, just like the treacherous court officials that nonbelievers speak of. … Of course all treacherous servants are classified as false leaders and workers. However, some false leaders and workers are of good humanity and are completely able to repent and change. They must be treated with love and given another chance to exercise. Evil servants are all false leaders and antichrists who have a demonic nature. Of course evil servants are all classified as evil people. They possess the devil’s nature and essence and so these evil people can do all kinds of evil and brutally suppress and persecute God’s chosen people. They try hard to disturb and interrupt God’s work and go against God in everything, as if they are unfeeling. Their hearts are hard and stubborn. Is this not the enemy of God? Evil servants cannot be saved. Therefore, God’s family must expel any false leaders and antichrists of demonic nature. There is no room for reconciliation.
If people who serve really have the ability, those who are below will move in coordination with them. There is an atmosphere of tension and harmony. It is full of vitality and church life flourishes with each passing day. There is no negativity, no falling behind. Righteousness rises up and all church members work together. They are united in their efforts and can all bear witness to God and hold Him upon high. This is the best outcome. If the church is still lifeless, and the majority of people are at a negative point, this proves that your guidance did not lead the way. Church life is like a carriage and the leader is like a shaft-horse. If the shaft-horse is capable, then the carriage can be pulled forward. It moves when it should move and runs when it should run. Nothing can stop it. When one is really competent in serving God, all difficulties can be resolved wherever he goes, and no matter what problems people have he can talk them through and point out the way. It makes people full of enjoyment as if the burden is relieved. No matter how difficult the situation of a place is, if he stays there a few days and gathers people together for a few meetings, then people’s hearts will brighten. They are filled with energy when the truth is understood and their negativity is completely resolved. The strife of the flesh will be quelled and church life will take the right path. A person who really serves God can see through the deficiencies of people, and he knows what to provide for different people, where to start, and how to completely resolve the problems. No matter whether a new or old believer, old or young, leading or following, he can fully provide for them. Their problems can all be resolved and he can communicate with all people. For those who really serve God, communication of the truth has no rules and they do not do this by rote. They will speak from every side and from every angle. They will speak in different languages and will combine all types of facts. People of every class will understand and reap the benefits. Everyone will love to come into contact with those who truly serve God, be willing to open their hearts and communicate with them and will respect them and be willing to befriend them and talk from the heart with them. If everyone is afraid and hiding from you, then you are in trouble. The night owl entering the house is not a good sign. Those whose hearts are aligned with God’s will are always in the church, walking among the objects of their work, living and eating with the people, talking to people through the night. When entrusting people with work, they repeatedly exhort them. They are afraid of not doing well and never cold-shoulder people. They know that leaving the workplace is dereliction of duty. Those who leave the objects of their work are freeloaders. Is it possible to solve all the difficulties of reality without coming into contact with the leaders at grassroots level that coordinate with you? Can it be done without deeply experiencing church life at a basic level? Can there be any result without heart-to-heart communication? Can you stop doing your work when your voice is not yet hoarse? Are you burdened if there is nothing on your mind? If you’ve not lost weight, are you really hard working? Can people who indulge in good food show consideration for God’s intentions? Are those who pay great attention to what they eat and wear attaching importance to the result of their work? Can they really do good work if they only come into contact with a few people who are after their heart while they avoid meeting those who are not? Are they not parasites seeking an easy, comfortable and enjoyable life?
Those who really serve God know what they lack and can always equip themselves and at the same time communicate the truth to others, and even more so, they focus on entering into the truth themselves and knowing themselves more deeply. They can keep themselves from being arrogant, self-righteous and from showing themselves off and are also willing to open their heart to let other people know their weaknesses and shortcomings. Therefore their communication is sincere and authentic, with no false pretensions. People will have conviction in them, respect them and obey the truth that they convey.
Those who really serve God understand the work of the Holy Spirit and know what is from their own experience and what is from the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. They are in awe of God and are neither arrogant nor boastful. They do not look down on others because they have the work of the Holy Spirit, but are more considerate of others, care for others and help others. They would rather suffer so that others may be happy. They understand the difficulties people suffer and also deeply understand how painful it is for a person without truth to fall into darkness. They understand even more the pleasures of being enlightened by the Holy Spirit and are willing to share their enlightenment by the Holy Spirit with others and share in the happiness with others. They do not take the work of the Holy Spirit as capital to enjoy. They enjoy the work of the Holy Spirit and can show consideration for God’s will. They are willing to resolve other people’s difficulties and pain and to pass the enjoyment they get from the work of the Holy Spirit to others in order to satisfy God. They can proactively cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit, show every consideration for God’s will and give up enjoyment in order to satisfy God. They refuse the blessing of status, do not seek special treatment, piously and respectfully serve God and loyally do their duty. People who serve God in this way act in line with God’s will.
To achieve service that is aligned with God’s will, one must first go through changes in life disposition. After it has been changed, one will start formal service. A few years’ experience is needed and without the truth, there will be no good result. If people truly understand the true meaning of service, they will know how to do their duty well. They deeply understand doing one’s duty is giving the truth, the way, and the life to others that they have got from God’s work and giving their experience, knowledge of God and the light revealed by the Holy Spirit to the church, so that others can share it, achieve changes in their life disposition, come to know God, obey God, be loyal to God and be gained by God. They do not equip themselves with the knowledge of the truth and teach others letters and doctrines to show how clever they are. Doing one’s duty is caring for, helping, being considerate of and taking care of others with a love of God, caring for others over oneself, thinking about others throughout, with everything intended for the church, preferring to suffer more in order for most people to gain life and be saved, to pay all the costs so that people can understand the truth and expend themselves for God to satisfy God’s will. It is not priding oneself based on one’s status and clinging to enjoyments of the flesh and regardless of how much brothers and sisters suffer, just satisfying one’s own desire to eat, drink and enjoy more, while abandoning the benefits of brothers and sisters. Some people even work according to preference and lust. If a person receives them well and wins their favor, they will fellowship with them. Otherwise, they will refuse. The most despicable person is he who engages in trading his work. Doing one’s duty is aligning one’s heart with God’s will—worrying about God’s worries, thinking about what God is thinking about, being concerned about God’s concerns and putting the interests of God’s family first at all times. It is working hard to the neglect of one’s meals and sleep and making painstaking efforts, and doing the work God has entrusted one to do with the sense of responsibility of a master. It is not expecting to be rewarded for a little work, or expecting enjoyment after a little suffering, or becoming proud and conceited after achieving some results, or enjoying status and acting like a tyrant. Those who are loyal in doing their duty submit to God’s arrangements, are loyal and devoted and work uncomplainingly and selflessly as a servant of God, only willing to return God’s love, serving God worthily with their life. They regard themselves as nothing more than a piece of dust without honor, and even less worthy of enjoying God’s grace, and they are completely at God’s mercy and do not complain. They are not mean and shameless hypocrites who cherish their own lives, hope to receive good fortune, and hope to stand above others and enjoy being superior to others. Doing one’s duty is being considerate of God’s will and God’s burden, regarding brothers and sisters as one’s parents, being willing to be everybody’s servant, bearing brothers and sisters’ lives in mind, daring to take responsibility, not owing anybody, letting people gain whatever he has gained, serving with his conscience, and daring to accept everyone’s supervision. It is not saying things pleasing to the ear but then doing no actual work, or enjoying brothers and sisters’ hospitality but still bullying them, or asking people to do this and that to take good care of him, but lecturing, pruning and dealing with people at every turn, or asking people to come and wait on him when he is ill and asking people to accompany him when he needs them. Such a person who makes people his servants is by no means serving God; rather, he holds himself up high, bears witness to himself, builds himself up, lets people treat him as God, and is very afraid of being in low repute and of people not being convinced. He vigorously strengthens the offensive and even tirelessly makes people obey and worship him, and sits in God’s place teaching people lessons. He looks down on everyone and does everything in his power to create his sphere of influence, operates his own businesses to make people put him at the center, heed his words, obey his arrangements and put God to one side to worship him. After he has worked for several years, the people he leads have no knowledge of God. On the contrary, they are all afraid of him and obey him. He has become a god. Is this not bringing people in front of him? This kind of person is a robber, a thief within the family and an antichrist.
Do you presently worship religious pastors and leaders? You no longer do so. Why do you no longer do so? Someone said, “They do not have the truth, that is why I do not worship them.” Very well said, these words are practical. What else is there? They are all antichrists and they have a malicious heart. They have nailed Christ to the cross, yet they do not regret it nor do they reflect upon themselves. They do not feel that they have done anything wrong. They do not think that they are the chief of sinners. These people’s hearts are very malicious and dark. Could it merely be that they do not have any truth at all? They are filled to the brim with Satan’s disposition and evil. They do not have a bit of conscience or sense! Not only do they not have the truth, they also do not have humanity at all. They are completely evil and demonic. They bless whoever gives them money. If you do not donate money to them, they will not bless you. They are so despicable, they only bless people for the money! What have you provided to them in life in return for the financial contributions of God’s chosen people? Have you actually brought people before God? Have you helped people obtain the salvation work of God? Have you helped people obtain all the truth that God expresses? Have you helped people obtain salvation? Are you worthy to enjoy their offerings? You have not provided a bit to God’s chosen people in life. You have not brought those who believe in God in front of God at all. Instead, you pulled them toward you and feasted on their flesh and drank their blood. Aren’t you just a parasite? Tell me, is this kind of fake shepherd, demon and degenerate worthy to serve God? That is why people must see the essence of this situation clearly. After you see it clearly, not only would you no longer worship these people, you would hate them. You will understand why these kinds of people deserve to be cursed. They are the enemies of God. They are the enemies of God’s chosen people. Once you have this kind of understanding, you will have seen this situation clearly. … Believers donate to the church so that they can attain salvation, have a better faith in God and obtain the truth. However, the pastors take this money for themselves and spend it. After they have taken it, they place their hands on the heads of the believers to bless them. What do they think? “I have blessed you already. It’s okay that I spend your money.” Isn’t this a parasite? Isn’t this a blood-sucking monster? Suppose one day God appears publicly and says, “I am Almighty God. I am the Almighty God that you persecute.” Once the pastors see this, they would say, “Oh no. The Almighty God that we have condemned turns out to be the true God!” When the brothers and sisters of these churches see this, they would say, “Oh no, our pastor has deceived us. He said that Almighty God is fake, that He is not the true way. How terrible! We have been tricked by our pastor. He has deceived us. We donated so much money, yet we have not obtained the true way. He did not allow us to receive the second coming of the Lord Jesus. He did not allow us to accept the true way. This pastor is such a cheat!” Now, these believers would stand up and grab this pastor by the shirt collar and slap his mouth. What is this? This is called reaping what you sow, isn’t it? People donate thousands, tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands. Once they realize that they have been cheated, how great would their hatred be inside their heart! Isn’t it a sin for this pastor to devour these people’s money and drink their blood? This is a sin, this is a debt of blood! At present, they are enjoying these believers’ donations. They think that it is not a problem. Do they feel guilty inside? If they had a conscience, they would feel guilty inside. Have you brought people before God? What provision have you made to people? Are you worthy to enjoy these offerings? You went to seminary to study for the sake of feeding yourself. You come here and you use letters and doctrines to cheat people out of their money. What is this? What is the difference between this and robbery? This is why people must understand the heart of this matter clearly. For those who do not see it clearly, just wait and see. One day, when God appears openly, it will be the last day for the parasites and evil servants that exist in the church. At that time, all the believers will rise up and grab them by their shirt collars. They will look to them to settle their debts. The believers will say, “This blood debt must be repaid in blood!” At that time, you will know what kind of ending these religious leaders will have and you will see through to their essence. Externally, they are serving God, but what about inside? They are resisting God. They are antichrists and evil people. They suck people’s blood without blinking an eye. That is why if those who serve God do not have a conscience, normal sense and the truth, they will end up walking upon the path of committing evil, that is, the wicked path of resisting God. Right now, there are some people who can already see these things clearly. That is why it is not possible to serve God properly without the truth. It is very dangerous for people to make a living from serving God. This is the same as the path of pastors and the path of antichrists. They want to make a living from serving God. These people are bound to feed off of the church. They have not been called upon by God. They do not make an effort out of a love for God or consideration for God’s intentions. They harbor evil intentions within their hearts. Would you say that anyone who serves God in order to make a living, for their own individual benefit, is God’s intimate friend? They are not. They are people that Satan has sent to interrupt and disturb the work of God. They are Satan’s slaves. God described them precisely as “a fox in a vineyard.”
Those who serve God should be God’s intimates, they should be beloved by God, and capable of the utmost loyalty to God. Regardless of whether you act behind people, or in front of them, you are able to gain the joy of God before God, you are able to stand firm before God, and regardless of how other people treat you, you always walk your own path, and give every care to God’s burden. Only this is an intimate of God.That God’s intimates are able to serve Him directly is because they have been given God’s great commission, and God’s burden, they are able to take God’s heart as their own, and God’s burden as their own, and they give no consideration to whether they gain or lose prospect: Even when they have no prospects, and they will gain nothing, they will always believe in God with a loving heart. And so, this kind of person is God’s intimate. God’s intimates are also His confidants; only God’s confidants could share His restlessness, and His wants, and although their flesh is painful and weak, they are able to endure pain and forsake that which they love to satisfy God. God gives more burdens to such people, and that which God shall do is expressed through these people. Thus, these people are beloved by God, they are servants of God who are after His own heart, and only people such as this can rule together with God.
from “How to Serve in Harmony With God’s Will” in The Word Appears in the Flesh
The work of a qualified worker can bring people to the right way and allow them to go deeper into the truth. The work he does can bring people before God. In addition, the work he does can vary from individual to individual and is not bound by rules, allowing people release and freedom. Moreover, they can gradually grow in life, go progressively deeper into the truth. The work of an unqualified worker falls far short; his work is foolish. He can only bring people into rules; what he demands of people does not vary from individual to individual; he does not work according to the actual needs of the people. In this type of work, there are too many rules and too many doctrines, and it cannot bring people into reality or into normal practice of growth in life. It can only enable people to stand by a few worthless rules. This kind of guidance can only lead people astray. He leads you to become what he is like; he can bring you into what he has and is.
from “God’s Work and Man’s Work” in The Word Appears in the Flesh
Each of you, as people who serve, must be able to defend the interests of the church in all things you do, rather than looking out for your own interests. It is unacceptable to go it alone, where you undermine him and he undermines you. People acting this way are not fit to serve God! The disposition of this sort of person is so bad; not an ounce of humanity remains in them. They are one-hundred-percent Satan! They are beasts! Even now such things as this still occur among you, going so far as to attack each other during fellowship, intentionally seeking pretexts, getting all red in the face arguing over some little thing, neither person willing to put himself aside, each person hiding what’s inside from the other, watching the other party intently and being on guard. Can this kind of disposition befit service to God? Can such work as yours give supply to the brothers and sisters? Not only are you unable to guide people onto a correct life course, you actually inject your corrupt dispositions into the brothers and sisters. Are you not hurting others? Your conscience is so bad, rotten to the core! You do not enter into reality, and do not put the truth into practice. Moreover you shamelessly expose your devilish nature to other people, you absolutely know no shame! The brothers and sisters have been entrusted to you, but you take them to hell. Aren’t you a person whose conscience has gone rotten? You are utterly shameless!
from “Serve as the Israelites Did” in The Word Appears in the Flesh
Many people behind Me covet the blessing of status, they gorge themselves on food, they love to sleep and give every care to the flesh, always afraid that there is no way out of the flesh. They do not perform their normal function in the church, and eat for free, or else admonish their brothers and sisters with My words, they stand up high and lord it over others. These people keep saying they are carrying out God’s will, they always say they are God’s intimates—is this not absurd? If you have the right motivations, but are unable to serve God’s will, then you’re being foolish; but if your motivations aren’t right, and you still say you serve God, then you are someone who opposes God, and you ought to be punished by God! I have no sympathy for such people! In the house of God they eat for free, and always covet the comforts of the flesh, and give no consideration to the interests of God; they always seek what’s good for them, they pay no heed to God’s will, all that they do is not looked upon by God’s Spirit, they’re always maneuvering and plotting against their brothers and sisters, and being two-faced, like a fox in a vineyard, always stealing grapes and trampling over the vineyard. Could such people be God’s intimates? Are you fit to receive God’s blessings? You take no responsibility for your life and the church, are you fit to receive God’s commission? Who would dare trust someone like you? When you serve like this, could God dare to entrust you with a greater task? Are you not delaying things?
from “How to Serve in Harmony With God’s Will” in The Word Appears in the Flesh
Serving God is no simple task. Those whose corrupt disposition is not changed can never serve God. If your disposition has not been judged and chastised by God’s word, then your disposition still represents Satan. This is sufficient to prove that your service of God is out of your own good intention. It is service based on your satanic nature. You serve God with your natural character, and according to your personal preferences; what’s more, you keep thinking that God loves whatever you like, and that God hates whatever you do not like, and your work is guided entirely by your own preferences. Can this be called serving God? Ultimately your life disposition will not be changed one iota. In fact, you will become more stubborn because you have been serving God, and it will make your corrupt disposition deeply ingrained. Inside yourself, you will develop doctrines of service to God based on nothing more than your own character, and the experience derived from your serving according to your own disposition. This is human experience and lessons. It is man’s philosophy of life. People like this are among the Pharisees and the religious officials. If they never wake up and repent, then they will ultimately turn into the false Christs who will appear in the last days. They will be deceivers. The false Christs and deceivers that were spoken of shall come from this type of people. If those who serve God follow their character and act according to their own will, then they are in constant danger of being cast out. Those who apply their many years of experience to serving God to ensnare the hearts of people, lecture and control people, elevate themselves—and who never repent, never confess, never renounce the benefits of position—these people will fall down before God. They are people of the same type as Paul, conceited with and showing off their seniority. God will not perfect people like this. This kind of service interferes with the work of God. People love to cling to the old. They cling to the notions of the past, cling to things from the past. This is a great obstacle to their service. If you cannot throw them off, those things will throttle your whole life. God will not commend you, not in the slightest, not even if you run your legs off or break your back laboring, nor even if you are martyred in your service of God. Quite the contrary: He will say that you are an evildoer.
from “End Religious Service” in The Word Appears in the Flesh
Any who do not understand the purpose of God’s work are those who stand against God, and even more so are those who are aware of the purpose of God’s work yet do not seek to satisfy God. Those who read the Bible in grand churches recite the Bible every day, yet not one understands the purpose of God’s work. Not one is able to know God; moreover, not one is in accord with the heart of God. They are all worthless, vile men, each standing on high to teach God. Though they brandish the name of God, they willfully oppose Him. Though they label themselves believers of God, they are ones who eat the flesh and drink the blood of man. All such men are devils who devour the soul of man, demons who purposefully disturb those who try to step onto the right path, and stumbling blocks that impede the path of those who seek God. Though they are of “robust flesh,” how are their followers to know that they are antichrists who lead man in opposition to God? How are they to know that they are living devils who specially seek souls to devour?
from “All Who Do Not Know God Are Those Who Oppose God” in The Word Appears in the Flesh
The Man’s Fellowship:
Church leaders and workers at all levels can be divided into three types of people. It is more appropriate to describe these three types of people as loyal servants, treacherous servants and evil servants: The first type can truly obey God’s work, are able to defend God’s work whilst performing their duties, can leave everything behind and exert all their efforts for God and can exalt and witness God. This group of people are truly in pursuit of the truth, seek to be perfected and are classified as God’s loyal servants. The second type do not have the reality of the truth, are unable to defend God’s work whilst performing their duties, do not act in accordance with work arrangements, do whatever they want and act recklessly, treat people with emotion, act according to their liking of the flesh, do not observe the principles of the truth, practice the truth with great difficulty, often engage in transactions with God; they take the path of the antichrist and are classified as treacherous servants. The third type are arrogant and conceited, pursue status, are ambitious and always want to control God’s chosen people and rule supremely and suppress and discriminate against those who disagree with them, restrain, bind and entrap God’s chosen people, try to control God’s chosen people to make an independent kingdom; they are classified as wicked people who are the same kind as false leaders and antichrists, that is, evil servants. …
… The Holy Spirit works in those whose humanity is good and who love the truth. Those who do not have good humanity and do not love the truth cannot receive the work of the Holy Spirit. When one’s human nature is treacherous, vicious and insidious, then they are an evil person and of course classified as an evil servant. Evil servants are the enemies of God and the object of God’s curse and punishment. It is a very appropriate fit to use loyal servants (like loyalists that nonbelievers speak of), treacherous servants (like treacherous court officials that nonbelievers speak of) and evil servants (like treacherous scum that nonbelievers speak of) to describe these three types of leaders and workers. Those people who are classified as loyal servants are more honest and have a conscience and sense and uphold God’s work throughout doing their duty. They are all the leaders and workers who are obedient and loyal to God and are the object of God’s salvation and perfection. Those people who are classified as treacherous servants do not love the truth, are not willing to pursue the truth and do not show true obedience to God. In carrying out their duty, they do whatever they want. They treat people based on emotions and are not fair and reasonable. In serving God they resist God, follow the flesh, and do things without principles, even trading with God. Sometimes they may betray the truth and God and even work against the interest of God’s family, not maintaining God’s work in the slightest. This type of people is classified as treacherous servants, just like the treacherous court officials that nonbelievers speak of. … Of course all treacherous servants are classified as false leaders and workers. However, some false leaders and workers are of good humanity and are completely able to repent and change. They must be treated with love and given another chance to exercise. Evil servants are all false leaders and antichrists who have a demonic nature. Of course evil servants are all classified as evil people. They possess the devil’s nature and essence and so these evil people can do all kinds of evil and brutally suppress and persecute God’s chosen people. They try hard to disturb and interrupt God’s work and go against God in everything, as if they are unfeeling. Their hearts are hard and stubborn. Is this not the enemy of God? Evil servants cannot be saved. Therefore, God’s family must expel any false leaders and antichrists of demonic nature. There is no room for reconciliation.
from “Only Through True Obedience to God’s Work Can One Enter the Reality of the Truth” in Selected Annals of the Work Arrangements of the Church of Almighty God
If people who serve really have the ability, those who are below will move in coordination with them. There is an atmosphere of tension and harmony. It is full of vitality and church life flourishes with each passing day. There is no negativity, no falling behind. Righteousness rises up and all church members work together. They are united in their efforts and can all bear witness to God and hold Him upon high. This is the best outcome. If the church is still lifeless, and the majority of people are at a negative point, this proves that your guidance did not lead the way. Church life is like a carriage and the leader is like a shaft-horse. If the shaft-horse is capable, then the carriage can be pulled forward. It moves when it should move and runs when it should run. Nothing can stop it. When one is really competent in serving God, all difficulties can be resolved wherever he goes, and no matter what problems people have he can talk them through and point out the way. It makes people full of enjoyment as if the burden is relieved. No matter how difficult the situation of a place is, if he stays there a few days and gathers people together for a few meetings, then people’s hearts will brighten. They are filled with energy when the truth is understood and their negativity is completely resolved. The strife of the flesh will be quelled and church life will take the right path. A person who really serves God can see through the deficiencies of people, and he knows what to provide for different people, where to start, and how to completely resolve the problems. No matter whether a new or old believer, old or young, leading or following, he can fully provide for them. Their problems can all be resolved and he can communicate with all people. For those who really serve God, communication of the truth has no rules and they do not do this by rote. They will speak from every side and from every angle. They will speak in different languages and will combine all types of facts. People of every class will understand and reap the benefits. Everyone will love to come into contact with those who truly serve God, be willing to open their hearts and communicate with them and will respect them and be willing to befriend them and talk from the heart with them. If everyone is afraid and hiding from you, then you are in trouble. The night owl entering the house is not a good sign. Those whose hearts are aligned with God’s will are always in the church, walking among the objects of their work, living and eating with the people, talking to people through the night. When entrusting people with work, they repeatedly exhort them. They are afraid of not doing well and never cold-shoulder people. They know that leaving the workplace is dereliction of duty. Those who leave the objects of their work are freeloaders. Is it possible to solve all the difficulties of reality without coming into contact with the leaders at grassroots level that coordinate with you? Can it be done without deeply experiencing church life at a basic level? Can there be any result without heart-to-heart communication? Can you stop doing your work when your voice is not yet hoarse? Are you burdened if there is nothing on your mind? If you’ve not lost weight, are you really hard working? Can people who indulge in good food show consideration for God’s intentions? Are those who pay great attention to what they eat and wear attaching importance to the result of their work? Can they really do good work if they only come into contact with a few people who are after their heart while they avoid meeting those who are not? Are they not parasites seeking an easy, comfortable and enjoyable life?
Those who really serve God know what they lack and can always equip themselves and at the same time communicate the truth to others, and even more so, they focus on entering into the truth themselves and knowing themselves more deeply. They can keep themselves from being arrogant, self-righteous and from showing themselves off and are also willing to open their heart to let other people know their weaknesses and shortcomings. Therefore their communication is sincere and authentic, with no false pretensions. People will have conviction in them, respect them and obey the truth that they convey.
Those who really serve God understand the work of the Holy Spirit and know what is from their own experience and what is from the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. They are in awe of God and are neither arrogant nor boastful. They do not look down on others because they have the work of the Holy Spirit, but are more considerate of others, care for others and help others. They would rather suffer so that others may be happy. They understand the difficulties people suffer and also deeply understand how painful it is for a person without truth to fall into darkness. They understand even more the pleasures of being enlightened by the Holy Spirit and are willing to share their enlightenment by the Holy Spirit with others and share in the happiness with others. They do not take the work of the Holy Spirit as capital to enjoy. They enjoy the work of the Holy Spirit and can show consideration for God’s will. They are willing to resolve other people’s difficulties and pain and to pass the enjoyment they get from the work of the Holy Spirit to others in order to satisfy God. They can proactively cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit, show every consideration for God’s will and give up enjoyment in order to satisfy God. They refuse the blessing of status, do not seek special treatment, piously and respectfully serve God and loyally do their duty. People who serve God in this way act in line with God’s will.
To achieve service that is aligned with God’s will, one must first go through changes in life disposition. After it has been changed, one will start formal service. A few years’ experience is needed and without the truth, there will be no good result. If people truly understand the true meaning of service, they will know how to do their duty well. They deeply understand doing one’s duty is giving the truth, the way, and the life to others that they have got from God’s work and giving their experience, knowledge of God and the light revealed by the Holy Spirit to the church, so that others can share it, achieve changes in their life disposition, come to know God, obey God, be loyal to God and be gained by God. They do not equip themselves with the knowledge of the truth and teach others letters and doctrines to show how clever they are. Doing one’s duty is caring for, helping, being considerate of and taking care of others with a love of God, caring for others over oneself, thinking about others throughout, with everything intended for the church, preferring to suffer more in order for most people to gain life and be saved, to pay all the costs so that people can understand the truth and expend themselves for God to satisfy God’s will. It is not priding oneself based on one’s status and clinging to enjoyments of the flesh and regardless of how much brothers and sisters suffer, just satisfying one’s own desire to eat, drink and enjoy more, while abandoning the benefits of brothers and sisters. Some people even work according to preference and lust. If a person receives them well and wins their favor, they will fellowship with them. Otherwise, they will refuse. The most despicable person is he who engages in trading his work. Doing one’s duty is aligning one’s heart with God’s will—worrying about God’s worries, thinking about what God is thinking about, being concerned about God’s concerns and putting the interests of God’s family first at all times. It is working hard to the neglect of one’s meals and sleep and making painstaking efforts, and doing the work God has entrusted one to do with the sense of responsibility of a master. It is not expecting to be rewarded for a little work, or expecting enjoyment after a little suffering, or becoming proud and conceited after achieving some results, or enjoying status and acting like a tyrant. Those who are loyal in doing their duty submit to God’s arrangements, are loyal and devoted and work uncomplainingly and selflessly as a servant of God, only willing to return God’s love, serving God worthily with their life. They regard themselves as nothing more than a piece of dust without honor, and even less worthy of enjoying God’s grace, and they are completely at God’s mercy and do not complain. They are not mean and shameless hypocrites who cherish their own lives, hope to receive good fortune, and hope to stand above others and enjoy being superior to others. Doing one’s duty is being considerate of God’s will and God’s burden, regarding brothers and sisters as one’s parents, being willing to be everybody’s servant, bearing brothers and sisters’ lives in mind, daring to take responsibility, not owing anybody, letting people gain whatever he has gained, serving with his conscience, and daring to accept everyone’s supervision. It is not saying things pleasing to the ear but then doing no actual work, or enjoying brothers and sisters’ hospitality but still bullying them, or asking people to do this and that to take good care of him, but lecturing, pruning and dealing with people at every turn, or asking people to come and wait on him when he is ill and asking people to accompany him when he needs them. Such a person who makes people his servants is by no means serving God; rather, he holds himself up high, bears witness to himself, builds himself up, lets people treat him as God, and is very afraid of being in low repute and of people not being convinced. He vigorously strengthens the offensive and even tirelessly makes people obey and worship him, and sits in God’s place teaching people lessons. He looks down on everyone and does everything in his power to create his sphere of influence, operates his own businesses to make people put him at the center, heed his words, obey his arrangements and put God to one side to worship him. After he has worked for several years, the people he leads have no knowledge of God. On the contrary, they are all afraid of him and obey him. He has become a god. Is this not bringing people in front of him? This kind of person is a robber, a thief within the family and an antichrist.
from “The True Meaning of Service and the Duties of Workers” in Collection of Sermons—Supply for Life
Do you presently worship religious pastors and leaders? You no longer do so. Why do you no longer do so? Someone said, “They do not have the truth, that is why I do not worship them.” Very well said, these words are practical. What else is there? They are all antichrists and they have a malicious heart. They have nailed Christ to the cross, yet they do not regret it nor do they reflect upon themselves. They do not feel that they have done anything wrong. They do not think that they are the chief of sinners. These people’s hearts are very malicious and dark. Could it merely be that they do not have any truth at all? They are filled to the brim with Satan’s disposition and evil. They do not have a bit of conscience or sense! Not only do they not have the truth, they also do not have humanity at all. They are completely evil and demonic. They bless whoever gives them money. If you do not donate money to them, they will not bless you. They are so despicable, they only bless people for the money! What have you provided to them in life in return for the financial contributions of God’s chosen people? Have you actually brought people before God? Have you helped people obtain the salvation work of God? Have you helped people obtain all the truth that God expresses? Have you helped people obtain salvation? Are you worthy to enjoy their offerings? You have not provided a bit to God’s chosen people in life. You have not brought those who believe in God in front of God at all. Instead, you pulled them toward you and feasted on their flesh and drank their blood. Aren’t you just a parasite? Tell me, is this kind of fake shepherd, demon and degenerate worthy to serve God? That is why people must see the essence of this situation clearly. After you see it clearly, not only would you no longer worship these people, you would hate them. You will understand why these kinds of people deserve to be cursed. They are the enemies of God. They are the enemies of God’s chosen people. Once you have this kind of understanding, you will have seen this situation clearly. … Believers donate to the church so that they can attain salvation, have a better faith in God and obtain the truth. However, the pastors take this money for themselves and spend it. After they have taken it, they place their hands on the heads of the believers to bless them. What do they think? “I have blessed you already. It’s okay that I spend your money.” Isn’t this a parasite? Isn’t this a blood-sucking monster? Suppose one day God appears publicly and says, “I am Almighty God. I am the Almighty God that you persecute.” Once the pastors see this, they would say, “Oh no. The Almighty God that we have condemned turns out to be the true God!” When the brothers and sisters of these churches see this, they would say, “Oh no, our pastor has deceived us. He said that Almighty God is fake, that He is not the true way. How terrible! We have been tricked by our pastor. He has deceived us. We donated so much money, yet we have not obtained the true way. He did not allow us to receive the second coming of the Lord Jesus. He did not allow us to accept the true way. This pastor is such a cheat!” Now, these believers would stand up and grab this pastor by the shirt collar and slap his mouth. What is this? This is called reaping what you sow, isn’t it? People donate thousands, tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands. Once they realize that they have been cheated, how great would their hatred be inside their heart! Isn’t it a sin for this pastor to devour these people’s money and drink their blood? This is a sin, this is a debt of blood! At present, they are enjoying these believers’ donations. They think that it is not a problem. Do they feel guilty inside? If they had a conscience, they would feel guilty inside. Have you brought people before God? What provision have you made to people? Are you worthy to enjoy these offerings? You went to seminary to study for the sake of feeding yourself. You come here and you use letters and doctrines to cheat people out of their money. What is this? What is the difference between this and robbery? This is why people must understand the heart of this matter clearly. For those who do not see it clearly, just wait and see. One day, when God appears openly, it will be the last day for the parasites and evil servants that exist in the church. At that time, all the believers will rise up and grab them by their shirt collars. They will look to them to settle their debts. The believers will say, “This blood debt must be repaid in blood!” At that time, you will know what kind of ending these religious leaders will have and you will see through to their essence. Externally, they are serving God, but what about inside? They are resisting God. They are antichrists and evil people. They suck people’s blood without blinking an eye. That is why if those who serve God do not have a conscience, normal sense and the truth, they will end up walking upon the path of committing evil, that is, the wicked path of resisting God. Right now, there are some people who can already see these things clearly. That is why it is not possible to serve God properly without the truth. It is very dangerous for people to make a living from serving God. This is the same as the path of pastors and the path of antichrists. They want to make a living from serving God. These people are bound to feed off of the church. They have not been called upon by God. They do not make an effort out of a love for God or consideration for God’s intentions. They harbor evil intentions within their hearts. Would you say that anyone who serves God in order to make a living, for their own individual benefit, is God’s intimate friend? They are not. They are people that Satan has sent to interrupt and disturb the work of God. They are Satan’s slaves. God described them precisely as “a fox in a vineyard.”
from “The Requirements Those Who Serve God Must Meet and How to Serve in Accordance With God’s Will” in Sermons and Fellowship on Entry Into Life (II)
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