"Lord, make me a Servant, that i may know your people"
I chose servant as one of my little morning mantra words because of how much importance Christ assigned to it. Not to be served, but to serve; the Suffering Servant; the last become first; the concept of Servant Leadership. Some of the most life altering, soul changing stories I've heard come from an act of service.
Why?
What is it about serving others that has such an impact on thoughts and actions? There are currently at least two T.V. shows that come to mind. One has the boss of a major corporation becoming an employee in disguise and the other is a millionaire who lives in poverty for a period of time. In both shows there's a change of heart or a realigning of priorities that takes place.
Again, why?
It's probably pretty obvious. I mean, I don't have any major "haven't-thought-about-it-like-that-before" kind of insights on the issue. For one, you get into another person's shoes. Seeing life through the eyes of those less fortunate can really shock your worldview perspective. People's experiences in life is one of the major variables that contribute to how it should be lived. Throw in some tough life experiences and sympathy can become empathy. Your good can switch to the common good.
It should really say something that when God came down to be an example for us, he came down as a servant. Serving others is a great way to get to know someone, to see them for their pains, faults, joys and motivations. It's no wonder, really, that God calls us to do this. Both parties involved benefit. It can move you closer to seeing the world and it's people as God sees them.
There's a reason why God will accept anyone who comes to him for a relationship.
Perhaps it's because he knows them and what they've been through.
Perhaps, if we serve more, we will do the same.
"If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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