One thing that puzzles me in ministry is a growing mindset that I have observed – it’s the mindset of deserving to be served by others, deserving special treatment, because you’re in ministry.
It’s something we need to guard against!
Do you know what I’m talking about? Because you’re on the stage, singing often, people thank you for your ministry. Sometimes people will do something special for you because you’ve ministered to them. Maybe you even get a special parking place because you’re on staff and you receive special treatment because you work so hard. Before you know it this special treatment and recognition causes you to begin think that you deserve this – that you should be served by others in special ways instead of being the one who serves.
I was recently reading in the book of Luke and was reminded of the truth from God’s Word that Jesus came as the One who serves. He is the serving saving King. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and He did this by serving and loving. He never requested or demanded special attention.
Even at the Last Supper He taught His disciples to serve. As He was serving the meal, He reminded them that the bread represented His Body that would be broken and the wine represented His Blood that would be poured out. He would serve to the point of giving His life! And you know what conversation popped up between the disciples? Look at Luke 22: 24-27… “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.” (ESV)
John 13 tells us that at the Last Supper Jesus also washed the disciples feet. “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (ESV)
What an example for us to follow!
Dear fellow musicians, remember we are called to serve, not to be served. We are called to serve, not seek places of honor. We are called to be like Jesus who came as the One who serves.