A discipline worth practicing
I am among you as he that serves. (Luke 22:27 ESV)
Jesus made the point that no matter what your spiritual standing, workplace position, wealth, or anything else that you or others may perceive places you above others, all of this is to be laid aside in serving others. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” Jesus is shifting the focus off position or authority, and is pointing out that greatness in God’s eyes is found in serving God and others out of love, and humility.
Service done in love for God and others doesn’t seek external reward. It doesn’t require that others know about it. It doesn’t seek the applause or gratitude of others. It is content to be done in hiddenness and humility. It doesn’t distinguish between “small” or “big” service.
The delight is in the service itself. It is indiscriminate; it doesn’t seek to serve the high and powerful, rather it seeks to serve whoever is in need—which is often the lowly and defenseless. It’s having a desire to serve, to help whenever and wherever help is needed. It’s tangibly showing love and outgoing concern for the needy.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Love is fulfilled when we bear one another’s hurts and sufferings, weeping with those who weep. Committing ourselves and learning how to serve others in love and humility as Jesus did, without seeking anything other than glorifying the Father, is a discipline worth practicing. [1]
Who is our neighbor? The one who is close to us, but whom we have never noticed, who is waiting for us to show him a gesture of trust, respect, and friendship. — Jean Cardonnel
[1] Anchor Service
