Why Are Our Necks Too Stiff for Servanthood?

Why is it so difficult for us, as members of the body of Christ, to be servants? We don't want to be troubled with doing more than is required of us, yet we fill our lives with other activities. We are members of sports teams, social clubs and humanitarian groups. We fill our lives with idols that requiare so much of our precious time and attention.

We are selfish and prideful. We cannot fathom that we are wrong in our hearts, and we are therefore completely unrepentant. The worst "problem" that we often notice with our pride and selfishness is our indignation when we have been offended. Even then, however, it is not a matter (from our deluded perspective) of our pride or our sin, but of this perceived sin by the offender. How blind we are to our own sin! How blind we are because of our own pride!
Often our selfishness keeps us from seeing the needs of our neighbors, our brothers and sisters. We are too busy focusing on ourselves, and we ignore the opportunities to serve anyone other than ourselves.

The Bible is replete with wonderful examples of servanthood. Joseph was sold into slavery and became a servant in Potifar's house. But God used those circumstances for His good will. Joseph's position of service was used to provide wisdom to his neighbors and mercy to his brethren. God placed him in that time and position for His will, for His glory.

Nehemiah was cup bearer to King Artaxerxes; his career was one of service. When he heard about the state of Jerusalem, he asked permission to go and help his fellow believers. He left the comfort of his position in the King's court to do what needed to be done - to raise up a work force in the midst of his enemies and to rebuild. He rose to meet the need of a servant before the people of Jerusalem.

Esther and Mordecai served King Ahasuerus and the Israelites. Jonah eventually went to Nineveh and proclaimed God's message to the people so that they could repent. Numerous others also were raised up as servants. Jesus washed the disciples' feet. Christ submitted to death to free humankind of its bondage to sin. How then can we refuse servanthood if even the One whom we proclaim as our Lord and Master showed us how to be servants? It is time for us to return to humility, to let the Spirit wash over us and cleanse us. It is time for repentance. Christ calls us to be servants. We must not refuse.