Serving others – 13 July 2009

“… Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” John F Kennedy inaugural address.

John F Kennedy made this comment on becoming president of the , and it has become very well known. It presents a very real challenge: life is not just about receiving, but giving too.

Some people are most comfortable serving and have an activism and drive. On seeing a problem, they will take it upon themselves to change things. Some people, on the other hand, on seeing a problem will complain that the system is wrong, and wait for it to be fixed.  The first person may well have the more righteous attitude, but I think it is more complicated than that.

[Jesus] got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him. ……When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. Do you understand what I have done for you? he asked them. You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 
John 13:4-5, 12-14 [NIV]

I think our service has to be directed by God and come from a position of humility. It might have been more efficient for one person to do all the foot washing, but that would be missing the point. I think God is more interested in us learning to serve from the correct motives, than efficient foot washing.

Do you prefer to serve or be served? What are your motives for serving? What is God calling you to do?