The Discipline of Service

The Discipline of Service

In "Celebration of Discipline," Richard Foster writes that "Jesus took a towel and a basin and redefined greatness." Jesus regularly modeled servanthood as a way of life for those who follow Him. Another writer says that "service is a way of orienting your life." The discipline of service helps us direct our lives toward that orientation.

Most of us enjoy being served, and we like being in charge. I read this week of the little five-year-old girl who told her babysitter "You're not the boss of me!" Many of us reflect that attitude; we don't want anyone telling us what to do. Choosing the discipline of service forces us to change that attitude. It forces us to let others call the shots while we look for ways to serve them.

Consider Jesus' words: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. . . . "(Mt. 20:25-28)

Choosing to serve requires several things from us. First, we need to search our hearts and make sure our motives are pure. We serve to follow Jesus' example and to fulfill our calling. Any other motive is less than acceptable. We also serve without recognition. It's better to serve in relative obscurity, especially if we struggle with pride. We don't need someone "tooting our horn" for us because we've served.

Finally, we need to pursue service as a lifestyle. It's not an every-now-and-then thing. It's a life choice to live with the same kind of heart Jesus had. It is a discipline of engagement that all of us need to protect us from pride and arrogance. I remind you again of the theme of our January weekend Freedom Fighters: ". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

By God's grace, let's choose the discipline of service. (John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River and our weekend Freedom Fighter Contributor)

Great Quote: If I am a son of God, nothing but God will satisfy my soul; no amount of comfort, no amount of ease, no amount of pleasure, will give me peace or rest. If I had the full cup of all the world's joys held up to me, and could drain it to the dregs, I should still remain thirsty if I had not God.

G. Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy