DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A SERVANT SPIRIT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A SERVANT SPIRIT

"Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and made us welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand." (Acts 28:1-3)

This passage tells me a lot about the Apostle Paul. Here he was, the great preacher and theologian, the leading voice for the Christian faith of that time. But his position did not go to his head. It was raining and cold, and here was Paul gathering sticks for the fire. There were others who could have done this job, but Paul had a servant spirit and he took the lowly task without complaint. It would seem that this was just a normal thing for Paul to do – to do the humble tasks.

As a former pastor, I have been to many ministerial meetings. But I have observed that it is usually not the pastors of large churches who help with the tasks of cleaning up after dinner. Through the years I have had good thoughts about Pastor Snyder. He did not pastor a large church, but he was always the first one to help clean the tables. He set a pattern for me to follow.

I think Pastor Paul would have been right in there with Pastor Snyder, helping to clean up. That was his evident spirit. Not only do we have the model of Pastor Paul and Pastor Snyder. We also have the demonstration of the Lord Jesus, who was the greatest example of the servant-leader.

Remember how He, "being God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the pains of death, even the death of the cross" (Colossians 2:6-8). And Paul said, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (vs. 5). I don't think Paul would exhort his followers to do what he was not willing to do himself.

We have many examples of servant-leadership. May our hearts catch that spirit and reflect it in our own lives.

Love, Dad