According to Wikipedia, Are You Being Served? was a long-running British sitcom broadcast from 1972 to 1985. It was set in the men’s and women’s department of a large fictional London store called Grace Brothers. I have seen the show on occasion and sometimes enjoy the wacky British humor. As an aside, I would not classify this as “wholesome TV programming”.
The title of this show came to my mind as I was considering our attitude of serving versus the attitude that Jesus had. It is fairly obvious where Jesus stood on this issue in response to the disciples when James and John’s mother asked if they could be seated at Jesus’ right and left hand in heaven (places of prominence).
“When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” –Matthew 20:24-28 (NIV) emphasis added.
One of our values at PHFS is that of Service. There are obvious ways this is carried out in our ministry, particularly with our Direct Care staff. Your day to day service to our clients and taking care of them is admirable. However, I wonder how many of us have an attitude of serving when it comes to the mundane. I think that often we have the attitude that we should be served rather than the other way around. Have any of the following ever crossed your mind?:
- Someone else should make the coffee even though I just took the last of it….I don’t drink it that often.
- Someone else should put copier paper in the tray….I do it every time I’m here.
- Someone else should pick up that paper towel (or mud, or pen or…….you fill in the blank) on the floor.
Having this attitude is equivalent to thinking that you should be served and that you are superior to others. Think about how it would be if everyone sought to serve rather than be served. This goes against our grain because this attitude is so counter-cultural. But imagine the witness we could have on the community (other staff, our clients, vendors, etc.) if others see this quality in us.
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. ” Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV