BACKGROUND
It is important to distinguish true Christian service from "self-righteous service."
| Self-Righteous Service | True Service |
| Self-righteous service comes through human effort; it delights in plans and organization charts. | True service comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Energy is expended, but it is not feverish. |
| Self-righteous service is impressed with the "big deal"; it is concerned with noteworthy outcomes. | True service does not distinguish big projects from small, and when the difference is noted, it is often the small task that is found to be more important. |
| Self-righteous service requires external rewards; it needs to be appreciated (subject to appropriate "religious modesty," of course). | True service is content in hiddenness. It does not fear attention, but it does not seek it. The divine nod of approval is enough. |
| Self-righteous service is concerned with results. It avoids service if the outcome might fall below expectations. | True service does not need to see results; it delights only in the service. It can serve enemies and the ungrateful. |
| Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. | True service is indiscriminate. |
| Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims; it exists only when there is a feeling to serve ("moved by the spirit," as we say). | True service ministers simply because there is a need. |
| Self-righteous service is temporary, mainly occasional projects and "special" acts. | True service is a life-style. |
| Self-righteous service is insensitive. It forces itself in and demands the opportunity to help. | True service listens with tenderness and patience before acting. |
| Self-righteous service fractures community; once the religious trappings are removed, it focuses mainly on self-glorification. | True service builds community. It is caring and quiet and unpretentious. |
As is apparent from the above, there is also a difference between "service" and "choosing to serve." When we "choose to serve," we are still in charge -- we decide whom we will serve and when, and ultimately we avoid much of the worry about people taking advantage of us. A servant has no right to be in charge and can be (and probably will be) taken advantage of.
Service is closely tied to the idea of humility. It is an inner disposition, not a series of acts. Therefore, service will often be hidden and anonymous. An inner disposition of service will often find itself focused on the tiny, insignificant corners of life, such as listening, and courtesy, and hospitality.
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7/12/97