02/23/2017
Today I am going to give a speech before my company on humility, service, and being a servant manager and employee. What better day to contemplate our servant role in faith, and the lessons that Jesus taught us in this regard. Let's listen to His words:
“For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”
Luke 22:27 ESV
Jesus came to serve and He spent His life doing just that. He spoke again on the subject and in this scripture we could actually substitute "the managers of our companies" for "the rulers of the Gentiles"...
“But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."”
Matthew 20:25-28 ESV
I work in the healthcare industry and it is especially suited for service and servants. What we do every day heals and comforts people, and in doing so we run into the handiwork of God at every turn. I am always amazed when new employees come into my company thinking its just another job... it isn't... dealing with people at their sickest, in the hours before their eminent deaths, or most vulnerable, calls for the heart of Christ; it begs you to be a servant. Whether a doctor, nurse, administrator, manager, or just sweeping the floors... you are drawn to become a servant to all those around you, and can feel how close you are to their very spirit and soul.
Jesus felt this every day and He taught us to not only serve the sick, hungry, or homeless, but everyone we come in contact with. I work for a hospital company, but regardless of where you work, or if you have a job at all, the call to servanthood is beckoning you. Paul carried this lesson throughout his life as an apostle, and in his second letter to the Corinthians he wrote:
“I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?”
2 Corinthians 12:15 ESV
So whether we are serving those in our family, church, or company... we are taught to do so in humility and kindness. As a child I was taught that "you catch more bees with honey." This saying reinforces the fact that people react to kindness, but occasionally your humble nature will be taken advantage of. When a person reveals their softness, there will quite often be someone who will attempt to exploit it... the shame is theirs, and even in our being abused we are taught to forgive and trust in God. The scripture teaches us how to handle such occasions...
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:19-21 ESV
Be smart, and be wise, but be humble and serve others. Listen to Jesus and open your heart as He did His. In this we will feel His presence and receive those things we need.
“For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."”
Hebrews 3:14-15 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I bow myself to you, and I seek to treat all those around me with the love and humility of Jesus. Protect me Father as I bare myself before those who would do me harm, for surly they will seek advantage over me in my kindness. Keep me as I sit at the table you have prepared for me "in the presence of mine enemies." Let all things work for my good as I serve you and those in need. Give me a disregard for my own benefit and safety, as I trust in you, and let me come to the aid of those who need to feel a touch from you. Lord, use my hand in delivering your warm touch of comfort, your firm grip of strength, and gentle caress of love, but always remind me that in all cases I am the servant you have sent.
Rich Forbes