Tuesday, June 22, 2004

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10.45 NRSV)

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There is an ancient story called "The Servant of the Kingdom." It is about a man who's a servant. One day he meets a genie. The genie gives him one wish, but warns him to be careful what he wishes for.

The man wishes to be waited on, for others to serve him hand and foot. Things go great for awhile. But soon the luster wears off. He tires of people catering to his every whim. He grows bored. Finally, he goes looking for the genie. He says "I can't stand it. I want to go back to serving people. I'd rather be in hell than live like this." The genie replies, "Where do you think you've been the last 90 days?"

And there is truth to that little story. We were not created to be served but to serve. The happiest people in this world are people who out of their own volition serve others. There's nothing you can do for yourself that will yield greater rewards.

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God of love, help me to serve your people with joy. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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