Why Would I Want to be a Servant?

Tim Keller's thoughts about deaconal servanthood stimulated a few thoughts of my own.  Why would I want to be a servant?  Well, sometimes I'm very pleased to look good.  I know my fellow church members will think I'm quite the picture of dedication and humility!   Other times I fall into the ditch of trying to impress God and show how much I deserve to be blessed.   Then there are the times I do it because it's so rewarding!   People are appreciative and I feel so good afterwards!

But you know it cuts into my reading  time, and usually it needs to be done at the most inconvenient times.  I'm an introvert, you know, and I need my private time.   I get irritable when presented with the disorder and randomness of other peoples' lives.   I growl when my cave is  invaded by someone with a need.

Jesus said, "I am among you as one who serves."  The word he uses is the word for deacon.  This is the pattern of Jesus' ministry.  The attitude is as important as the behavior.  

Jesus was facing the wrath of God and death on the cross.   But there was no self pity, no self preoccupation.   He focused on washing dirty feet.

Jesus was not looking for appreciation - he washed the feet of his betrayer.  

Jesus was not demanding his rightful perks.  He was the King.  But he washed feet.   

He was without pride, without self righteousness.   He was the obedient servant.   Doing his father's will.   Serving.

Is that my life's passion?  Humble, compassionate, willing to be available.   

Maybe I need to stop using the word "introvert".   Maybe I need to check to see if I'm in my right mind - the mind of Christ.