Called To Serve

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.’”

Mark 10:43-44

A couple of weeks ago, the Rev. Elizabeth Miller preached an excellent sermon entitled “I Want To Be Great, Don’t You?” as a wonderful support for St. Martin’s Volunteer Recognition Sunday. Today, I want to reflect a bit more on our calling to serve the world in the Name of Christ.

Jesus does not offer us abundant life and then leave us trying to discover how to live that life on our own. No, He gives us specific instructions on how to measure up to it. He has told us what to do. We must “serve the needs of all”. Not as a way of earning God’s love and forgiveness, since God’s love is always being offered to us, but our service to others is a way of demonstrating that we are serious about accepting God’s mercy and love.

In yesterday’s Gospel reading (Mark 10:35-45), Jesus uses some very strong language to make this point: “Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest; whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all, for the Son of man came not to be served but to serve.” With these words, Jesus makes it absolutely clear that entering into the life He offers requires action on our part. As you read these words, I’ll bet you know at least one place, one relationship, one need in the Church or community where you are being called to act in service to others. If not, then just check the St. Martin’s website (smec.org/ministries) for suggestions.

The only proper response to the Word of Life which Jesus offers us is simply to do it: serve others in His Name.

“If you are offering your gift at the Altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the Altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’.” (Matthew 5:43-44)

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you … for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:37-38)

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)