“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not people.” Colossians 3:23 GNT
“There is a difference between serving and being a servant. Typically, when we serve, we determine when, where, and what we’re going to do. When we are a servant, we surrender those decisions to those we serve. In essence, the servant says, “Put me in coach – anywhere will do, just put me in. I want to be on the team.” — Bud Lamb, Chasing the Sage, Page 149
Dallas Willard writes, “I believe the discipline of service is even more important for Christians who find themselves of influence, power, and leadership (at home, marketplace, or community). To live as a servant while fulfilling socially important roles is one of the greatest challenges any disciple ever faces.” — Dallas Willard, Spirit of the Disciplines, Page 183
Jesus defines greatness in the Kingdom of God as being a servant of all. “To be “great” and to live as a servant is one of the most difficult spiritual attainments…for it alone will train them to exercise great power without corrupting their souls.” ibid, Page 183
The distinction between “service” and “servant” reveals our hearts. Clearly, Jesus calls us to be servants — servants of all. His example of washing the disciple’s feet (John 13:3-5) gives us a clear picture of the heart in action.
How then can we practice being a servant?
“Doing precedes feeling.” Determine to serve with kindness — one act each day.
Hidden acts of kindness…Small kindnesses: picking up the newspaper of a neighbor and placing it on the doorstep; taking a bowl of hot soup from your own pot to a neighbor, pausing to listen to a neighbor who is having a hard time dealing with COVID; or assembling “Care Packages” — one gallon zip lock bags loaded with energy bars, toothpaste and toothbrush, kleenex, travel deodorant, and a $5 Starbucks card to have available to give to homeless standing at the street corner.
Be alert to opportunities…For example the quickening of your heart to some need or person. A friend of mine became aware of a 95-year-old couple in our area and began cooking and delivering a simple meal once each week. Begin the day with “What will it be today God?” Then be vigilant and swiftly do what presents itself.
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Pray
Help me keep this simple Lord. I can overcomplicate things — help me see micro-opportunities to be a servant to the people in my life and take action even while everything in me is screaming “This can wait!!!!” I want to live and love like Jesus. Thank You. Amen.
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