Serving One Another
Paul challenged the Corinthian believers’ perspective on Christianity. They were puffed up over sin tolerated in their midst (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). There were divisions among themselves as they laid claim to following their favorite apostles (1 Corinthians 3:3-5). They misused the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to them to draw attention to themselves in the public worship services (1 Corinthians 14:26). These are just a few of the issues that Paul was dealing with in this group of believers.
Using the apostles as an example, he pointed out that they were nothing more than “ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). The word “ministers” means “under-rowers.” This has reference to the galley slaves that were chained to the oars beneath the deck of the Roman ships. That does not paint a glamorous picture to say the least. Paul considered himself and the other apostles nothing more than slaves with no slave better than another slave. These slaves were not known by name. There was nothing that gave them favor in the light of the galley master. They were person-less!
The fact that Paul referred to himself in this way in other Scriptures not only speaks to the truth of this position, but just as importantly, his delight in this position. Paul gloried in being a servant, a bond-slave, an under-rower in the great plan of the Lord Jesus Christ. If this were true of the apostles, how much more so should it be of us! Having been redeemed by the blood of Christ, we have the great privilege of being made the servants of Christ.
The problem with being called a servant is that it requires us to act like servants! Really! We are to “esteem others better than ourselves” (Philippians 2:3) and to “serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). Serving others is, perhaps, the greatest earmark of Christianity. After all, the very last example of Christ to his disciples the night before he was betrayed was an act of service.
Reflect on what is recorded for us in the Scriptures of this event. “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done unto you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:12-17).
The modern church, let alone society, does not prize servanthood. Perhaps, that is why there is so much unhappiness in our lives and country! God help us to serve one another in love!
Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.