It seems to me that we have much to learn about being real servants in the Bible sense. Fifty years ago while I was in training the ministry was viewed very differently than it is today. My professors were mostly very humble and “regular” men who just loved the Lord and His Word. Their advice to us was to “preach, pray and plug away”. Some where that all seemed to change and we began to view ourselves as CEOs not as servants. That was a horrid change. And to now get back to the idea of being a servant means not just learning how to serve but also to unlearn some nasty ideas and traits.
Fortunately we do have the Scriptures that clearly define both the life and attitude of servants. We will have to give much effort and thought to re-establishing the idea of service. And it seems to me that it ought to begin with the pastor. However, it will not be an easy task, for even the regular church member has come to the place that they wish to see their pastor not as a humble man of God but rather as a polished executive.
This is not a new phenomenon. The church at Corinth was very critical of the Apostle Paul and his image. Notice this observation:
2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
Such language as, “…his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible…” indicates a very improper attitude on their part. While we ought to look our best and speak with good grammar, that is not the measure of the ministry. The real measure of the ministry is the character and integrity of the minister. That is a far higher obligation and requirement. And this obligation rests upon all of God’s children. It is time to assert the obligation of servants.
