Adam Moore
If you grew up in the ‘80s at all, then chances are you remember a sign with the American figure Uncle Sam next to captions that read, “I want you.” Of course, the Uncle Sam advertisements were looking for young and willing U.S. Army recruits.
One of the false narratives circulating today is that churches of sizeable attendance have all the help they need, and hence more volunteers are not needed. Sadly, I must admit that at one point in time my thinking was not far off from this. I am reminded that as a follower of Jesus we are all expected to serve.
On the night of Jesus’ arrest and during the feast of the Passover, a dispute broke out among the disciples on who the greatest was among them. Jesus settled the dispute in Luke chapter 22 by letting the disciples know that the greatest among them was the one that serves, and then uses Himself as the example. Verses 24-27 read, “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ’The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”
Throughout history, you will discover that some of the greatest leaders have always been the leaders that are willing to serve. In other words, they are the ones who will roll up their sleeves or get in the trenches when the opportunity arises. They are the ones who lead by example and have not deemed themselves to superior to complete a given task. Interestingly enough during this same feast of the Passover, Jesus showed His servant leadership by doing a task that was generally reserved for the lowest servant of the household and He stooped down and washed His disciples’ feet.
Mathew 20:28 also reminds us, “The son of man came not to be served, but to serve.” Our Lord and Savior revealed the ultimate act of servant leadership, and we are created to serve one another. Friends, I implore you to get involved. Your church and community want you.