To Serve or to be Served
This phrase has been stuck in my head for about a week. In reflecting on ministry, I’ve been challenged with the question of “Do we come to serve or to be served?” I know the obvious answer is, “We come to serve.” However, in our individualistic, consumer-driven society, I believe our head knowledge of coming to serve takes a back-seat to being served.
How many pastors long to hear members of the congregation tell them how great their sermon was on Sunday morning (or whatever day you have your services)? I’ll be honest…it’s nice to get that sort of feedback…strokes the ego a bit. But, is that why we preach?
How many praise team leaders and members long to have people in the congregation say, “the music was awesome today” or go on and on about the guitar solo or nice four-part harmonies? Is that why we lead worship?
How many people spend countless minutes in front of the mirror to look “just right” for worship so that someone will say, “Boy, you sure look nice today?” Does our dress really have any thing to do with our worship?
What I’m getting at is that, many times in the church, we expect people to roll out the red carpet and make a big deal about us. We want to know that we matter. Yes, it is important to know that you matter…however, sometimes our desire for recognition gets in the way of our ability to serve.
So, I wonder how many of us are in ministry to serve or to be served? I wonder how many of us prepare our sermons, worship sets, etc in order to get the most praise or to be faithful to what God has laid on our hearts?
Just stuff I’m thinking about…
Excellent!
Comment by Mom — August 22, 2006 @ 9:39 pm
Jason–
Would you and your congregation remember your Uncle John and cousin Tiffany as they leave together to visit Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
We ask for your prayers for a safe and meaningful journey. As you know, I spent two years of my youth there in the war, and so bring great emotional baggage back to to those places.
Thank you one and all for the the power of prayer.
Uncle John
Comment by John Burris — August 25, 2006 @ 4:15 am