Culture Revolution - Servanthood

 

Imagine losing something valuable to you at a supermarket, along the road or somewhere else. Someone finds it and returns it to you in good condition. How would you feel?

Imagine walking along the road and every driver stops to allow you to cross. How would you feel?

Or perhaps you are driving alone through a remote forest when your car breaks down. Some people rush to help you without asking for money. What would your reaction be?

Imagine being involved in an accident and, instead of taking advantage of your helpless situation, people passing by stop to rescue you.

What if you walked into any office or organization and the first words you heard were, "Welcome, sir. Welcome, madam. How can I help you?" Wouldn't you feel important, special and valued?

Finally, imagine living alone, falling sick and having your neighbors notice that you have not come out of your house. They come to check on you, take you to hospital, pay your medical bills and provide food for you. Wouldn't you feel cared for?

Exactly, the world would be a very different place if we all adopted a culture of serving one another, whether we knew people or not. How pleasant it would be to live in this beautiful planet if we all put other people's needs before our own!

Sadly, self-centeredness has permeated us to the point where everyone thinks of themselves first.

Self-centeredness is a me mindset and a me attitude. It is about:

• My happiness first.
• My success first.
• My rights.
• This is my money.
• This is my car.
• These are my possessions.

It is a mindset that constantly asks, "What can I gain from helping somebody?"

The culture of selfishness is similar to the situation described in the Book of Judges. In those days, there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

People were no longer concerned about doing what was right in God's sight or about what was happening in the lives of others. They cared only about themselves.

Since selfishness hinders potential to develop and prosper, we, as God's people, must lead a cultural revolution by practicing and promoting the Kingdom culture of servanthood today.

What Is Servanthood?

Servanthood is about living a life of service. It means being willing and available to serve others, regardless of the cost.

If we cultivate a servant culture, a servant attitude and a servant heart, the world will become a much better place to belong.

To cultivate a culture of servanthood, we must have the same mindset as our Master, Jesus Christ, and follow His example.

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Paul also tells us that Jesus made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Everything Jesus did during His earthly ministry was about serving people.

• He fed the hungry to serve them.
• He healed the sick to serve them.
• He stopped and listened to blind Bartimaeus to serve him.
• He associated with sinners and social outcasts to serve them.

While the Pharisees criticized Him for associating with such people, Jesus embraced those who had been rejected by religious society. His ministry was centered on serving people.

We can learn important lessons about servanthood from Jesus, the greatest servant of all, particularly from His act of washing His disciples' feet before His arrest and crucifixion.

Jesus: The Greatest Example of Servanthood

John 13:1–17

Just before the Passover festival, Jesus knew that the hour had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

During the evening meal, Jesus got up, took off His outer clothing and wrapped a towel around His waist. He then poured water into a basin and began washing His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel.

When He came to Simon Peter, Peter asked: "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied that Peter did not understand what He was doing at that moment but would understand later.

Peter initially refused, saying that Jesus would never wash his feet. However, Jesus explained that unless He washed him, Peter would have no part with Him.

After washing their feet, Jesus put on His clothes and returned to His place.

He then asked His disciples whether they understood what He had done for them.

He reminded them that they rightly called Him Teacher and Lord. Yet, if their Lord and Teacher had washed their feet, they also ought to wash one another's feet.

Jesus concluded by saying that He had set an example for them to follow.

In those days, people wore sandals rather than the shoes we wear today. Their feet became dirty as they travelled along dusty roads in the hot, desert climate.

Yet Jesus, their Master and Lord, willingly washed their dirty feet.

Through this practical demonstration, He showed His disciples that He had come to serve, not to be served.

What, then, can we learn about servanthood from Jesus?

1. We Are Motivated to Serve When We Value People

Valuing people means acknowledging that every human being is important because they are created in the image of God.

You carry God's image, and that means it does not matter what other people say about you.

People may say you are ugly or question your appearance, but that does not take away your value. Every person carries God's image and deserves to be valued.

Valuing people means treating them with love, dignity and respect, regardless of who they are, how they look or their position in society.

When we walk out we may find beggars on the streets. Sometimes, like many people, we may be tempted to turn away as quickly as possible. However, we must remember that those people also carry the image of God and because of that, we need to value them.

Valuing people means making them feel that they matter through what we say and do.

You cannot wholeheartedly serve others unless you see value in them.

When Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He demonstrated that He valued each one of them. John tells us that, having loved His own who were in the world, He showed them the full extent of His love.

You cannot value people unless you love them, and you cannot genuinely love people without understanding their value.

As their Master, Jesus did not have to wash their dirty feet, but He chose to do so because He valued them.

This was completely counter-cultural in His day. It went against the accepted standards and expectations of society.

That is why Peter initially objected to Jesus washing his feet.

Among those whose feet Jesus washed was Judas, the disciple who would betray Him. Jesus knew what Judas was going to do, yet He did not withhold this act of service from him.

Jesus valued people even when they had wrong intentions.

We, too, must learn to value people, even when they are sinners. After all, we are all sinners who have been saved by God's grace.

Practical Ways to Show People That We Value Them

There are several ways we can demonstrate that we value others.

1.1 Respecting pedestrians and vulnerable people

If you are driving, stop and allow pedestrians to cross the road, especially older people, children, expectant mothers and other vulnerable individuals. By doing so, you demonstrate that you value them.

1.2 Giving people your attention

When someone is talking to you, give them your full attention. Listening attentively communicates that the person matters to you.

1.3 Speaking encouraging and life-giving words

Speak words that encourage, inspire and build people up instead of using demeaning language.

Avoid words such as, "You fool," "You're useless," or other statements that undermine people's dignity and worth.

1.4 Making time for people

Make time for your family members, friends, workmates and neighbors, even when life becomes busy. Giving people your time demonstrates that you value them.

1.5 Appreciating employees and colleagues

As an employer or organizational leader, publicly recognize and appreciate the contributions employees make towards the success of your organization.

Let them know when they have done well. You can also invest in their personal and professional development.

1.6 Meeting people's physical needs

It is not necessarily how much you have that matters, but the size of your heart and your willingness to help others.

At Watoto Church, we have chosen to reach out to vulnerable women in our communities.

At one time, the pastors visited some women in the neighborhood to understand the conditions in which they lived and the challenges they faced.

We wanted to meet their physical needs, help them access employment opportunities, support their children's education, provide decent housing and improve access to healthcare.

Why do this? We wanted these women to know that they matter to God and that they matter to us.

Some were abandoned by their husbands or even their families. However, God has not abandoned them. He reaches out to them through us, the Church.

There's also a time some members of our church also participated in rebuilding the perimeter wall of a particular Police Station.

People often have negative perceptions of police officers in our country. However, we chose not to focus on those perceptions. Instead, we wanted to demonstrate that these officers matter and that we appreciate the work and sacrifices they make to protect our nation.

Through these practical acts of service, we show people that they are valued.

Paul reminds us: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

He also encourages us to be devoted to one another in love and to honor one another above ourselves.

As disciples of Jesus, followers of Christ and children of God, let us value people because God values them.

Let us make people feel important, appreciated and cared for. Let us make them feel that somebody thinks about them because they matter to God.

Perhaps you are reading this and feel that nobody values you. I want you to know that Jesus values you. You are important, special and precious before God.

And I want you to know this: I value you. Even if I may not know you personally, you matter.

We are motivated to serve people when we recognize their value.

2. Servanthood Requires Humility

When you hear the word servant, what comes to your mind?

How many of us actually like being called servants?

Most of us would probably prefer to be called masters rather than servants. We prefer to be served and treated as important people because we sometimes consider being a servant demeaning.

We think that serving others takes away our dignity.

However, such a mindset is rooted in the belief that our worth is determined by our social status, positions and possessions.

It is important to understand that our worth does not come from our positions, possessions, cars or houses.

It is perfectly fine to live in a beautiful house or drive the latest car model. There is nothing wrong with having good things. However, those things do not determine your worth or make you more valuable than other people.

Our worth is found in Jesus Christ.

Today, you may be called a managing director, but tomorrow you may no longer hold that position. Today, you may be a CEO, but tomorrow that title may change.

The money we have, the houses we own, the land we possess and the positions we hold in organizations and society will eventually pass away.

That is why our identity and value must be rooted in Jesus Christ.

Since our worth is in Christ, we should be willing to do whatever is necessary to serve others.

There is no task that should be considered too undignified for a child of God when it comes to serving people.

The Apostle Peter encourages us: "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another."

He reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Jesus demonstrated humility when He washed His disciples' feet.

John tells us that Jesus knew the Father had put all things under His power, that He had come from God and was returning to God. Yet He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, wrapped a towel around His waist and began washing His disciples' feet.

If there was ever a great and important person who lived on earth, it was Jesus. He had all authority, yet He chose to become a humble servant.

And remember, Jesus was God. Think about that: God washing the feet of human beings!

That is humility.

Jesus deliberately went against cultural expectations to teach His disciples the importance of humbly serving others.

As followers of Jesus, we must be willing to serve people regardless of our social, economic, political, educational or professional status.

We must put aside our titles and positions and serve others.

In fact, we should use our positions, possessions and titles to serve people rather than ourselves.

Practical Ways to Demonstrate Humility

2.1 Participate in household chores

Even if you have house/home assistants, you should be willing to help with household responsibilities.

The kitchen should not be a no-go area for you. This includes the husbands too!

2.2 Participate in community activities

Be willing to help clean the environment, repair broken drainage systems and improve roads in your community.

2.3 Be an approachable leader

If you lead an organization, make yourself approachable and listen to the people working under you. Remember, you are human just like everyone else.

2.4 Support your team

As a team leader, participate in cleaning and organizing the office environment. You can also help an employee who is overwhelmed with work.

2.5 Be willing to do seemingly ordinary tasks

Welcome visitors to your organization or answer telephone calls when your personal assistant is occupied. Do not always say, "That's my personal assistant's responsibility." or "That's so and so's role"

2.6 Volunteer your time and skills

Be willing to volunteer and serve wherever there is a need.

You can volunteer to host a cell group, even if you live in an upscale neighborhood. Remember, God gave you the house you live in.

You can also volunteer in children's ministry, ushering or other areas of church service.

Children may sometimes make things challenging, but that should not stop you from serving them.

Humble people put others first.

The Huffington Post has described humble people as individuals who focus their energy on others. They are willing to go the extra mile, make sacrifices and even get their hands dirty to serve someone.

We can get our hands dirty to serve others because we are following the example of our Master, Jesus Christ.

Remember, humility is not about a particular posture or outward appearance. Humility is a choice. It is a state of mind and an attitude towards other people, ourselves and the things we possess.

3. Servanthood Requires an Eternal Perspective

We need an eternal perspective to become true servants.

Having an eternal perspective influences how we view ourselves and the things we possess.

People with an eternal perspective understand that God is the source and owner of everything they have.

Because of this understanding, they use their time, talents and resources to serve others.

They understand that serving people is another way of serving God.

Another important characteristic of servants with an eternal perspective is that they know God will honor and reward them for serving others, even when their efforts are not appreciated or recognized by people.

When you have an eternal perspective, you do not constantly ask:

• What will I gain from this?
• What is in it for me?
• What will my reward be?
• Will people recognize what I have done?

You understand that your ultimate reward is in heaven.

Speaking about the final judgement, Jesus declared:

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'"

He went on to explain:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Jesus demonstrated an eternal perspective.

John tells us that Jesus knew the hour had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father.

In the same way, we must remember that one day we will all stand before God.

Personally, what I would love to hear God say to me is: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

If you faithfully serve people, that is the reward you should desire to hear from God.

Therefore, we are motivated to serve people when we value them. We become willing and available to serve when we are humble. And we remain committed to serving others when we have an eternal perspective.

A Lesson from the Scorpion: Never Lose Your Nature of Helping Others

An old man once saw a scorpion drowning in water and decided to rescue it.

He calmly extended his hand to reach the creature. However, when he tried to lift it out of the water, the scorpion stung him.

Because of the pain, the old man let go, and the scorpion fell back into the water.

Realizing that the scorpion was drowning again, the man tried once more to rescue it. Once again, the scorpion stung him, and he let go.

A young boy who had been watching approached the old man and said:

"Excuse me, sir. You are going to hurt yourself trying to save this evil and vicious creature. Why do you insist on rescuing it? Don't you realize that every time you try to help it, it stings you?"

The old man replied:

"The nature of the scorpion is to sting, and mine is to help. My nature will not change because the scorpion stings me."

After thinking for a moment, the old man took a leaf from a nearby tree and used it to rescue the scorpion without allowing it to sting him again.

What lesson can we learn from this story?

Do not change your nature. Do not change who you are.

If someone hurts you, take the necessary precautions, but do not allow their actions to change your commitment to doing good.

Sometimes, we hesitate to help people because we fear they may not appreciate our kindness. We may also worry that they could turn against us, take advantage of us or even rob us if we give them a lift or welcome them into our homes.

Of course, we must exercise wisdom when helping others. Servanthood does not mean ignoring safety or acting without discernment.

However, because Jesus Christ, the One we follow and worship, is a servant, we must be willing to make ourselves available to serve people.

Let us serve anywhere and anytime, whether we know the person or not, whether they are related to us or not, and whether they will appreciate or recognize our efforts.

Let us be available to serve everyone for God's glory and for the good of of this world we live in.

Let Us Lead a Culture Revolution Through Servanthood

We have a mandate to bring about a culture revolution. We can only achieve this by living out and promoting Kingdom values and practices such as servanthood.

Jesus Christ demonstrated what true servanthood looks like. He valued people, humbled Himself and served others with an eternal perspective. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Let us cultivate a culture in which helping others is not an exception but a way of life. We need a culture revolution, and that revolution begins with each one of us choosing to become a servant.

May we follow the example of Jesus Christ and become servants wherever we go, wherever we are and whenever there is an opportunity to serve.

All for God's glory and for the good of the world we live in.