“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 2:5
Have you ever met someone with an attitude problem? Perhaps they were rude with you or acted superior to others. Sadly, many church members have an attitude problem. Occasionally, you will meet church members who look down their pious nose at others. Some think that complaining is a spiritual gift and they feel compelled to share it with others. Even preachers are guilty. Some preachers are so proud that they could strut sitting down!
Of course, all of this is in sharp contrast to the Bible's plain instruction to us. As followers of Jesus, we are to emulate our Lord. As Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Jesus humbled Himself, came to earth as a man, and worked to serve the needs of humanity, culminating with His sacrificial death on the cross. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus Himself said, “... the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Even though He was entitled to worship, He came, instead, to serve.
Like Jesus, we have been called to serve. Being a servant is an humbling experience. We prefer for others to serve us. Yet Jesus came to serve. He did not come to earth with a chip on His shoulder, angry that He was expected to stoop down to such a degrading level. No, He came willingly. He wanted to please His Father. Certainly, mankind needed Him desperately.
As Christians, we are not called to be saviors. There has only be one Savior and His death upon the cross is certainly sufficient payment for our sins. However, we are called to serve --- in His Name.
Not far from where I live and work, there is a school called, Appalachian Bible College. Their motto is “Because life is for service.” That is certainly true. We are called to serve. We are called to serve God and others. This fulfills the two great commandments.
Jesus demonstrated His servant-hood when He washed His disciples' feet. Walking was the normal mode of travel in those days and the feet of men would naturally get dirty. It was typical that the lowest servant would fulfill the task of washing the feet of the host and guests. Jesus assumed this role when He washed His disciples' feet.
Today, there are some who think that they are “too good,” to get their hands dirty. They feel that certain tasks are beneath them and should be accomplished by “lesser men.” When we read about our Lord's service, how can we entertain such lofty thoughts about ourselves?
The people that God uses the most are those who think the least of themselves. They aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. They make themselves available for the Master's use. They prefer others over themselves. They don't seek fame or a title. Instead of advertising their own name, they serve so that the Name of Jesus will be praised.
Whether it is trivial job at the church, helping a stranded motorist, or lending a helping hand to a widow in the community, these servants work in the Name of the Lord, seeking only His pleasure. They may serve at a soup kitchen or help with home repairs for the poor. They visit the sick, show compassion to the grieving and celebrate the success of others. They give of their time, talent and treasures to help others. Their acts of benevolence are often done in secret, far from the public spotlight. The Lord sees it and that is good enough for a servant of God.
God has called us to be such servants. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” We have been ordained to good works. We have been saved to serve.
I can't help but think that most Christians need an attitude adjustment. Rather than acting like our selfish society, we need to serve like our Lord. Our stewardship will one day be judged by our Lord. I want to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
What about you?
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