Servanthood

SO much to write about from these past two days. Such good things learned and yet, the same fear that I will forget and slip back into thinking and acting like I did before. Only slightly reminiscent to my post-Camp blogs, huh?

I've always heard about servant leading. The whole "washing the feet" ideal and concept. But this weekend, it was explained to me in a totally different way.

I've always prided myself on my academic accomplishments and how much I can achieve because of my brain. That's ultimately where my identity comes from when I allow myself to speak truthfully. Secondly, there would be the visage of a "good Christian" and "someone who always does the right thing." Thirdly, my musical abilities.

So now that all my dirty laundry is aired, the message that the speaker spoke comes in. What he said really changed my whole perspective on how this concept works. What he talked about what my identity being a servant. Not in doing service, but as a servant. A servant playing many different roles in varying environments, but a servant none the less.

We all want to be great. To be noticed. To be accomplished. To be significant, really. But the world's definition of significance is wrapped up in wealth, popularity and looks. In Christ, significance is equal to suffering and servanthood. We should want to be significant, but in a different way. Instead, in a way that makes an impact for Christ. In a way that changes and leaves an impression. One that will really last... for all of eternity.

Instead of figuring out what I'm good at, I need to be willing to tell myself that I am gifted at whatever creates a positive impact in others, even if it means failing by the world's or my personal standards.

Coming back to academics, I think that I have been gifted in that area, but at this moment I'm using it to glorify self and no one else. Instead, I need to be able to do my best at it simply because I am a servant. Nothing else. Just a servant. That is my only identity.

And that identity changes the question "should I serve?" (with an answer of always) to the question "how can I serve?". It answers the question "who should I serve?" with anyone and everyone. And finally, it answers the question "why should I serve?" with because I am stewarding what God has given me for the glory of others.

This leads me to ask you three questions, if you have slogged through all of the above up until this point.
1. What environment has God placed me in to live out my identity as a servant?
2. What person is He asking me to serve better?
3. What gifts as He given me that I need to steward better?

What are your answers?