Learning to be a servant
This year there were many changes
after the election of the General Assembly (GA) members. With the newly
elected, there is a sense of expectation that under God’s guidance the new GA
team will achieve new growth and progress. However, no matter how new the team,
each person should approach the work like a servant.
Traditional management approach is
one of superiors issuing commands and subordinates seeking affirmation from
superiors. Current management practice is very different. The superiors need to
examine and understand the needs of his subordinates. How can the management
facilitate the workers to complete the work and respect the management effort
such that the workers are compelled and the company goals are achieved. This new management style is effective and popular
today.
This management style is in line
with Jesus’ teachings. Jesus once said to his disciples, “and whoever wants to
be first must be slave of all” (Mk10:44). Jesus’ character is divine yet he
humbled himself to be as a slave, setting wonderful examples that apply
timelessly.
The role of the servant is very
important in the eyes of God. God’s servant can related to God’s will and
submit to it fully in carrying out what has been entrusted to him. Many special
people in the world exhibit qualities of a servant. We see such qualities in
parents, sacrificing any and all for the sake of their children. It is such
qualities that greatly touch the children’s heart.
For the sake of the church we have
to learn how to be servants.
To be a good servant, preparation
starts with self-examination. Am I worthy to serve God? Do I bring benefit to
others? Prophet Isaiah saw the glory of God in a prayer yet he also saw his
uncleanness. “Woe to me! I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips,
and I live among a people of unclean lips,” (Is 6:5) That is when he became
clear, felt ashamed, and humbly said to God, “Here am I. Send me!” The
resulting prophet was powerful in his work in reviving Judah, and his
teachings have lasting value.
A good servant sources power from
God. The disciples once could not drive out demons, yet Jesus came and solved
the problem. Afterward, the disciples asked, “why couldn’t we drive out?” Jesus
said, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (Mk 9:29). This shows that our
serving is not without substance. We are to edify souls. If we do not rely in
the power of God, we can do very little. Through effort in prayer we seek to
gain spiritual power.
It is not easy being a good
servant; he will face all kinds of people. Jesus was faced with all kinds of
challenges such as being misunderstood or slandered, he had to forbear, endure,
resist retribution, and even return with love. “A bruised reed he will not
break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to
victory” (Mt 12:20). Jesus served this way and edified countless souls. We need
to have compassion as servant so we may reap beautiful results.