Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:26-28)

Many people unconsciously expect their church to serve them. The expectation shows with the checklist we bring to worship. We ask, “Did the pastor preach a sermon to my liking? Did the music suit my taste? Does the building have the right décor?” 

Of course, we are right to be concerned that our church does what is right. The Bible tells us to be vigilant about God’s priorities. But sometimes God’s priorities get confused with our preferences. Whether we are expressing greater concerns about the latter than the former may take serious heart examination. 

That examination, if it is Biblical, often begins with asking whether we really are willing to follow Jesus by denying ourselves (Matt. 16:24)? Are we more seeking to serve or to be served? 

Of course, we are all ready to testify that we are willing to be a servant – until someone treats us like one. Then, we must ask if Jesus only calls us to an occasional act of service, or to a life of selflessness for the sake of others knowing him.  

The charge to put God’s priorities above our own often can reduce our checklist to one item: Does this church help me serve Jesus better?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for coming to serve rather than to be served. Help me to follow your example by being willing to give my life in the service of others knowing you better.