Matthew 20:27-28 And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
I am a huge fan of Clark Howard, the syndicated radio and television host who promotes saving money and avoiding rip-offs in these stressed economic times. Although I appreciate his sound and prudent advice, I appreciate even more the way in which he interacts with his callers. Often, when he greets one by name, he adds, "How might I be of service to you today?" This simple phrase at once invites and disarms the callers to divulge their needs and feel reassured that they will be listened to and appreciated for who they are aside from the problems they are experiencing. Clark treats each and every listener with unwavering respect and concern for their personal issues, offering answers or directions as the need arises, and is never judgmental of the person's character or former choices. For me, Clark Howard embodies the essence of perfect service as our Lord commanded of us, and accomplishes this on a daily basis.
What is keeping us from doing the same? Are we loving and serving at home, in the workplace, in our house of worship? Are we listening to and helping, or are we judging the hopeless, the downtrodden, and those in need? Are we being servants, or are we demanding that others serve us?
In this same train of thought, we can regard those elected officials that we send to both state and federal government posts when we make crucial voting decisions in November. Are we electing servants, representatives who will voice our concerns and convictions or are we electing politicians who are only interested in personal gain? Our Founding Fathers considered election as an honor, and opportunity to serve their constituents and despised strength in a central government. How far have we fallen from that tree of liberty? Not so far that we can't build a ladder to the tree-house and demand that our leaders be servants, first and foremost. We must do so for the sake of our land, our liberties, and the future of our children and grandchildren.
Our Lord, in all humility, washed the feet of his disciples. Practice humility in your daily walk and demonstrate this to others. Elect only those who would rather bathe your feet, weary from working, instead of taking your money to wash the feet of others who receive not with grateful hearts but with an attitude of entitlement.
Jesus asks every day: "How might I be of service to you?"
You answer: "Here I am, Lord, I am at yours."
I am a huge fan of Clark Howard, the syndicated radio and television host who promotes saving money and avoiding rip-offs in these stressed economic times. Although I appreciate his sound and prudent advice, I appreciate even more the way in which he interacts with his callers. Often, when he greets one by name, he adds, "How might I be of service to you today?" This simple phrase at once invites and disarms the callers to divulge their needs and feel reassured that they will be listened to and appreciated for who they are aside from the problems they are experiencing. Clark treats each and every listener with unwavering respect and concern for their personal issues, offering answers or directions as the need arises, and is never judgmental of the person's character or former choices. For me, Clark Howard embodies the essence of perfect service as our Lord commanded of us, and accomplishes this on a daily basis.
What is keeping us from doing the same? Are we loving and serving at home, in the workplace, in our house of worship? Are we listening to and helping, or are we judging the hopeless, the downtrodden, and those in need? Are we being servants, or are we demanding that others serve us?
In this same train of thought, we can regard those elected officials that we send to both state and federal government posts when we make crucial voting decisions in November. Are we electing servants, representatives who will voice our concerns and convictions or are we electing politicians who are only interested in personal gain? Our Founding Fathers considered election as an honor, and opportunity to serve their constituents and despised strength in a central government. How far have we fallen from that tree of liberty? Not so far that we can't build a ladder to the tree-house and demand that our leaders be servants, first and foremost. We must do so for the sake of our land, our liberties, and the future of our children and grandchildren.
Our Lord, in all humility, washed the feet of his disciples. Practice humility in your daily walk and demonstrate this to others. Elect only those who would rather bathe your feet, weary from working, instead of taking your money to wash the feet of others who receive not with grateful hearts but with an attitude of entitlement.
Jesus asks every day: "How might I be of service to you?"
You answer: "Here I am, Lord, I am at yours."
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