Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

In contemporary culture, being a servant is a role to avoid rather than one to which we would aspire. We delegate tasks or hire people to do things to serve us. Those working in the service industry will also tell you how poorly people treat them as they try to serve others. As a general rule, the goal for most people is to make enough money and have enough power, so others serve them, and they will not have to serve others.

Standing in stark contrast to our culture is God’s Kingdom. If the Godhead could be seen as an organizational chart, then our King, Jesus Christ, was at the top for all eternity, being served by angels when He humbled Himself and chose to come to earth to serve us. He sets a countercultural example for us. No matter your position or responsibility at home, work, or school, your role as a servant is unchanging no matter what else might transpire because your King is the chief servant. Paul models this attitude by naming both his calling as an apostle and his role as a servant.

In relation to God, as servants, Christians must seek God’s will and devote themselves to serving it even over their own lives. Life is filled with pains and problems, which means we need a purpose over our lives that is bigger than any pain or problem. For Christians, the purpose of our lives is to find and fulfill the will of God so our pains and problems can be seen in the light of fulfilling His purpose.

In relation to others, a servant lifts burdens and replaces them with blessings. This great task is exactly the example Jesus set for us—He lived to serve the Father’s will and lift our burden of sin. He then replaced that crushing burden with His blessing of salvation.

All of us live on a continuum that stretches from selfish to servant. The more we seek by God’s grace to live as servants, the better our relationships will become. In fact, three kinds of relationships exist:

1. Selfish + Selfish = a brutal relationship. It’s a war. “I’m going to win.” “No, I’m going to win.” “You’re going to lose.” “No, you’re going to lose.”

2. Selfish + Servant = an abusive relationship. “I give; you take.” “I win; you lose.”

3. Servant + Servant = a beautiful relationship.

You can never hope to be like Jesus if you’re unwilling to serve. In fact, serving is the best thing for you. Yes, your life will have problems and pains, so what you need over your life is a greater purpose than any problem or pain. That greater purpose is to serve your Lord Jesus Christ. Your role as a servant will never change, even if your responsibilities change. Whether you’re single, married, or divorced; whether you’re a parent with young children or an empty nester; whether you are employed or unemployed; whether you’re going up the corporate ladder or at the very bottom, you are still called to serve. Your responsibilities may change, but your role as a servant never will. That is the testimony of Paul.

Today’s Reflection

Why do you think being like Jesus requires you to be a servant?