I’ve seen a replay of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet at the Last Supper at Holy Thursday services and heard Bible verses on being a servant. Being a “servant” is even preached in business with the popular book, Servant Leader (Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, 2003).
From John 13:12-17 we hear: “When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am .If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
I’d heard the sermons, read the books, and been to seminars on being a “servant”, but I still didn’t get it until three years ago when one of my mentors at church explained it to me and then modeled it for me.
“When you walk into a room, don’t just look for the people you know, look for the people you don’t know, too. But you’re not a politician; this isn’t about shaking hands to impress people. There is one person in that room who most needs to be served, a person you are drawn to. Sometimes it’s the 11-year old boy on crutches or the lady who needs help with her walker. Maybe a need isn’t as obvious as an outward, physical need. Look for the person standing by himself, or the couple who look a little lost; they might be newcomers. “
Then my mentor said, “Don’t talk about yourself; you already know enough about you. Ask about them. Walk up to the person and commit to engaging in their life; “How was your week? Are you new in town? What can I help you with?”
“One more thing: treat everyone with kindness and compassion, like they’ve just been diagnosed with cancer. You never know, you might meet someone who HAS just been diagnosed with cancer and needs Christ’s love through you.”
Who can YOU serve today?
Blessings, my friend,
Agatha