The Cross is the symbol of Christianity and
Christ’s sacrifice for us. The towel is the symbol of servanthood as Christ’s
example set for us.
June’s
Awakening, Day 9
Jesus
knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come
from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his
outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around 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 around him. “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. I have set you an
example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no
servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who
sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John
13:3–5, 13–17 NIV
We have discussed the six inward
spiritual disciplines—worship (which is really inward, outward, and corporate),
prayer, fasting, study, meditation, and a well-ordered heart—and these should
be practiced regularly to bring about the spiritual maturity and transformation
that God wants to observe in our lives. The outward spiritual disciplines are
the observed outflow of what the inward transformation has brought about. If we
have not begun to master the inward disciplines and master ourselves, we will
have difficulty mastering the outward spiritual disciplines—and many of these
directly relate to our relationships and attitudes toward God and all mankind.
The six outward spiritual
disciplines are the six “S’s” that bring success—servanthood, submission,
simplicity, secrecy, solitude, and suffering. Yes,
I know that doesn’t sound like success nor do those seem attractive to
undertake, but remember, God’s kingdom is an upside-down kingdom and I assure
you that there are gold nuggets of spirituality to be gleaned and practiced
from all those disciplines.
Servanthood.
Before we get into servanthood, let’s compare and contrast true service
unto the Lord versus self-righteous service. Self-righteous service is calculated through
human effort alone, is impressed with the “big deal,” requires external rewards
and appreciation, is highly concerned about results, picks and chooses whom and
when to serve, is fleeting and temporary, and undermines community while
glorifying self. True service unto the Lord flows out of our relationship with
Jesus, where no service is too small, is content with its hiddenness and the
Divine nod of approval, is free from the need to calculate results, serves enemies
as well as friends, serves whenever there is a need, is a true lifestyle, and
builds community while glorifying God.
Now, before you get comfortable,
let’s take it one step further and deeper. There is also an inherent difference
between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant. When we choose to
serve, we are still “in charge,” and may be concerned that another may take
charge over us. Choosing to be a servant means we knowingly and willingly give
up the right to be “in charge,” and hence are not concerned about anyone else
that may be over us, as we are focused simply on serving. A servant surrenders
their right to be in charge and hence has great freedom and no entangling
concerns. Therefore, as we shall see, servanthood is not simply doing acts of
service and outwardly portraying a servant, it is the mindset and attitude of
being fully a servant inwardly first, with the corresponding outward display,
second. One can master the mechanics of service without the true heart, mind,
and spirit that is characterized by the servant that Jesus portrayed.
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