Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you needs is not a scepter but a hoe. (Bernard of Clairvaux)
Gathered at the Passover feast, the disciples were keenly aware that someone needed to wash the other’s feet. The problem was that the only people who washed feet were the least. So there they sat, feet caked with dirt. It was such a sore point that they were not even going to talk about it. No one wanted to be considered the least. Then Jesus took the towel and a basin and redefined greatness. (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline)
Can’t you just see them? Remember playing, “1-2-3-Not it!” as a kid? That’s what I picture the disciples doing as they sat there with their dirty feet. Each of them thinking to themselves, “I’m not going to do it.” Then their Master, Teacher—the last person you would ever expect—gets down on His knees to do the dirty work. What an impact that must have made on them. What an impact that should have on us. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15).
Jesus is our example of perfect servanthood. Have you ever recognized the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant? Choosing to serve sounds good, right? Well, yes and no. When we choose to serve, we’re still in charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve. In contrast, when we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge. We give up the right to decide who and when we will serve. We also give up the right to be recognized or appreciated.
Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains for honor and recognition. (Richard Foster)
I hate that about my flesh. Why do we yearn for recognition from man when we have the recognition of the Almighty?
Servanthood . . .
It won’t be glamorous.
It may get dirty.
It may be painful.
You may get trampled upon.
“Whoever wants to be greatest among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). God Himself says that He came to serve. He is our Teacher, our example. Yes, it will go against everything this world holds in esteem. One more reason to be good students and follow His lead.
—submitted by Leah Swanson, US
OnMyWayHome on April 16, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Have you ever recognized the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant?
Never thought of it that way gives me something to think hard about.
Thank you
GChoo on April 16, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Thanks for the thought provoking message.
I think it is easy to say we want to serve because we decide what, where and how we serve. We hold that control, it is so true. But, to be a servant, not many are willing to strip themselves of that pride. We live in a society where status, wealth and power (regardless of social classes) would make it so, so hard to submit ourselves to that level that Jesus had shown us. We are so of the world.
Thank you for reminding us to truly think hard, TO SERVE OR TO BE A SERVANT.
alegria on April 23, 2011 at 7:03 am
Thank you for the call to be that servant who desires only the recognition of our God. May I be that servant today. Lord give me joy in serving how, where, and whom you want me to serve.