Servant of Who?

Jon walked in the door after a week-long conference and handed me a little devotional on Romans. It had been a long week alone with the girls, and I was grateful for a chance to refresh and refocus.

I tumbled in, but didn't get far. Chapter 1, verse 1 stopped me.

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.

I read it a few time. 

Paul, a servant.

I thought about the word, and what it means to be one. 

I pictured someone in a king's castle, waiting quietly beside a throne for directions. Or busy working on the day's tasks. I let my mind wander a bit. 

Mostly though, I pictured someone waiting for direction.  

I thought about my life, and if daily activities reflected the role.  

We call him King Jesus. We believe God sits on a throne. In our prayers we say "Lord," and we ask him to order our days. 

But the question stood. Am I servant-like?

My pausing left me reflecting on my own habits. 

What a Servant Really Looks Like

What would if look like if I consistently lived out this role of servant? I sat with the question for a while.

I've always viewed "servanthood" as willing to help out when needed. But honestly, does a servant show up when needed?  Or does a servant show up and wait for directions?  

I think it's the latter.

I think we've got some messed up, backwards theology.  

What I mean is this: We have this impression that God is for us. And this is about us. We've twisted things around, making God the servant - expecting him to be waiting to help us in every need. 

We expect God to love us, and meet all our needs, and hear our cries, and help us get through life. 

And yeah, he basically does all those things.  I mean, kinda. (There is more to this idea, but that will have to be a discussion for a different day.)

I'm not saying we shouldn't expect those things from God. That's not the point.

The point is that those things are not the point.  

They are not the purpose.  

Our faith shouldn't be about what God is doing for us, and sometimes we make it about us. 

We get it backwards.  

We're supposed to be the servants.  Waiting on God.  Listening for his instruction.  Hanging out as he shows us his plans.  

*Raise your hand if you forgot that today.*

I love the end of the book of John, where Peter has denied Jesus three times, and Jesus comes back to confront him about it. Essentially, Peter had a moment where he decided to ditch his allegiance to Jesus, and worry about himself.  

Raise your hand, because #dailystruggle. 

Jesus asked Peter what he was going to choose. To decide where his allegiance lay - whether he was going to follow, or go his own way.  

You can hear the awkwardness in their exchange. Remember, they were the closest of friends, and Peter had bailed.


Catch what they say in John 21:15-19.

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” (He was talking about his vocation/career/personal fulfillment.)

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. ...Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Jesus wanted to know if Peter was going to show up and wait for directions. Jesus had a big job for Peter, but he needed Peter to understand that he didn't come to meet Peters needs and give him a better life. He needed Peter to get to work.

What Does It Look Like To Be A Servant?

Let's be careful about how we organize our days.  Just like Jesus was asking for Peter's allegiance, and obedience, Jesus asks for ours.

Allegiance and obedience looks a lot like being a servant.  Waiting for direction.  Staying close, for whatever need might arise.

Before we throw up a quick prayer that God will help us get through our day, or help us find our keys (so guilty, every day), and then run off to tackle our day, let's stay close.

Let's stay listening.

Let's stay waiting. 

Let's stay asking what God needs from us.  

I can tell you from experience, this takes practice. Sometimes we don't hear right away, or it doesn't seem like God is listening to our request, or answering our prayer.  Most likely, it's because we just need to practice waiting and listening.  

Practice it while you're brushing your teeth.  Lord Jesus, I am your servant.  How can I serve you today? 

Practice it while you're filling the dishwasher.  Precious Father, what do you need from me today? 

Practice it while you're riding the elevator or sitting at a light.  God Almighty, what do you want to change in my thoughts and habits, so I can be a better reflection of you? 

Practice it while you're screaming at your children to be quiet.  Sweet Holy Spirit, help me not to kill them today... wait, that was just a joke!  But seriously, I can always take parenting advice from the Holy Spirit, if I take the time to listen. 

I encourage you to spend a few moments every day for the next week, waiting on the direction of the Lord. See what he unfolds for you. I'd love to hear how this goes for you, as we seek God together.

You are loved!