Day 234 – Free To Serve

Free To Serve

In the early Church, the fish became a symbol for the believers. The Greek word for fish, “Ichthys”, is an acronym of five words: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior. During the first three centuries, when the Church was being persecuted, this symbol served to identify those who were disciples. In latter centuries, the cross became this emblem of identification. But, of greater significance, and that which identifies believers in any century is servanthood. This “sign” of discipleship cannot be drawn on a wall or worn as an ornament, it is a lifestyle. It is God’s law engraved on the heart and affects all aspects of one’s life.

Jesus confronted the status quo by saying: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9.25) What an affront to those who despised being a servant. To be a slave or servant, was the last thing anyone would desire. Most desired to be as the Romans; in charge. Success was measured by how many servants a person had, not in being a servant himself. Jesus also destroyed shallow mentality of servanthood that said: “You do something for me and I’ll do something for you”, or, “If I scratch your back, you scratch my back.” To illustrate the importance of serving, Jesus took a basin of water and a towel and began to wash the disciples’ feet. Peter didn’t like his role model doing something so abase. He tried to stop Jesus, but then Jesus answered by saying servanthood was necessary to be connected to Him.

True service is indiscriminate in its ministry. The self-righteous picks and chooses whom to serve. By trying to maintain an image of being humble, acts of charity or service are selectively engaged in. Jesus taught that it is the visiting those in prison, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked, with no thought as to the attention it may bring, that was necessary to be His disciple. It is the hidden service that transforms the desires of the flesh. Richard Foster has said: “The flesh whines against service, but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered.”

A few years ago I had a dream that got me out of bed. It was so clear that I knew it was a message from the Lord. Without going into all the details here, one point was very clear to me. In the dream, our church had been given an old hospital, with the condition that we care for the 30 elderly residents that remained there. The church came alive, as all dedicated themselves to serving these dear ones. Soon, ministry to the homeless, orphans and the poor began, as the joy in just serving became our lifestyle. I saw a sign on the wall that caught my attention. It read: “Here all ministries are welcome, but instead of making you great, it will make you small.”

True service frees us from the tyranny of self. It is the letting go of our autonomy and egoism. Mother Teresa said: “I belong to Jesus. He must have the right to use me without consulting me.” She was exemplary in her service and one that desired no public acclaim. By serving God and others, you will be constantly amazed with the freedom you feel. Serving is love in deed and truth and it takes preference over love in word and talk. Serving puts life in perspective. It defines one’s purpose. If you want to be truly free, then learn to serve.

Scriptures to meditate on:

Phil. 2.1-8; John 13.12-17; Col. 3.23-24; Mat. 20.26; I John 3.16-18