Make Me a Servant?

      We have started singing a song from our supplemental book entitled, “Make Me a Servant.” I wonder if we realize what we are singing.

      For my part, I am happy to serve. That is, as long as it fits in with my schedule and doesn’t get in the way of my goals and my favorite activities and tv shows. I am happy to serve on my terms, when it pleases me and when I will get credit for it from others. I am happy to serve when others are watching and take notice.

      But am I really happy to be a servant? A servant doesn’t serve when it is convenient. A servant is one who serves because the master says to (cf. Luke 17:7-9). A servant simply serves because that is his job. He doesn’t stop to ask if it fits in his schedule. He doesn’t stop to ask if it meets his terms. He doesn’t stop to see if anyone is looking. He simply serves.

      I don’t mind serving as long as I get to remain in control. I get to choose when, where and how far I am going to go in my serving. Once I lose that control, I become vulnerable. If I take this serving thing too far, you might take advantage of me. I certainly don’t want that to happen. Surely God doesn’t expect me to let that happen of does He?

      Do I really want God to make me a servant, just like His Son? Do I really want to spend my life in the service of God and others knowing full well that most of the people I strive to serve won’t appreciate it, won’t care about me and might even turn on me? Do I really want to be a servant knowing it will cost me my life in more ways than one?

      That is the struggle we face when we become Christians. According to I Peter 1:22, we were purified for a sincere love of the brethren. One of the reasons we obeyed the truth and received cleansing was so we could love God’s children. Further, in Philippians 2:3-4 we are told to view others as more important than ourselves. Being a servant is merely a natural response from those who truly love and truly see others as more important.

      The next time my wife wakes me from a doze asking me to do something I know she could do for herself, I must not gripe and complain. I must not lash out. I should serve. After all, I am to be a servant.

      The next time a brother or sister puts out a plea for help, I shouldn’t rely on everyone else to get the job done. Rather, I should be there to love and serve. After all, I am to be a servant.

      Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying I have this servant thing down. I am growing in it as well. However, if we are going to sing “make me a servant just like Your Son,” then I am going to have to be ready for the consequences. I am going to have to quit serving on my time and become a servant.

Edwin L. Crozier