If you want a picture of a successful life AS HEAVEN MEASURES IT AND GOD VIEWS IT, don’t look for it in the glaring lights on Broadway. Don’t look for it in Washington, D.C., or in the United Nations. Instead, listen–for the sound of water splashing in a basin while Jesus Christ, God the Son, with a humility that made angels hold their breath, lovingly washes the feet of His undeserving disciples in the upper room.
“HE WHO IS GREATEST AMONG YOU SHALL BE YOUR SERVANT” Jesus said. (Matt. 23:11) This statement shows true power, and this is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for success in life.
What do we think of when we hear the word “servant”? Do you see someone who is pathetic, without will or purpose? Someone who is bent over, crushed in spirit and lacking in self-esteem? Someone who is weary and soiled, wearing ragged, wrinkled clothes?
Let’s view that image with the definition of some of Christ’s devoted followers. For instance, how did the apostle Paul, the man who converted the Gentile world of his age, introduce himself? “Paul, a BONDSERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God…” Romans 1:1
What about James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the church in Jerusalem? “James, A BONDSERVANT OF GOD and of the Lord Jesus Christ…” James 1:1
Peter, who became a great leader in Christ’s church? “Simon Peter, A BONDSERVANT and apostle of Jesus Christ…” 2 Pet. 1:1
John the Revelator, who put his pen to parchment to tell the world the things that would come upon the earth, look at his introduction of himself: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ…He sent and signified it by His angel to HIS SERVANT JOHN…” Rev. 1:1
Finally, how did the Lord Jesus Christ, who sits at the right hand of God, speak of Himself? “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, BUT TO SERVE, and TO GIVE HIS LIFE a ransom for many…” Mark 10:45
The similarity in these introductions and descriptions is obvious. Now we need to ask ourselves: How do we introduce ourselves? Do we share the humility of Jesus and the saints of old?
About thirty years ago Corrie ten Boom attended the Fleming Revell luncheon for their authors in Dallas, Texas. Corrie had just written the extremely popular book “The Hiding Place”, which was later made into a film by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and she was the keynote speaker for the event.
When it was time for her to come to the platform, the master of ceremonies called everyone to attention and introduced Corrie by reading from several typed pages of accolades that were both phenomenal and accurate. As she rose and began to walk to the lectern to speak, the thousands of people in attendance quickly stood and filled the auditorium with thunderous and extended applause. No one who was there will ever forget the first sentence that came out of her mouth.
“I thank you for your kind words,” she said, “but I prefer to be introduced as CORRIE TEN BOOM, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.”
So, How do we introduce ourselves? Take a moment in the next few days to consider this: A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package.
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But WE HAVE THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS, that THE EXCELLENCY OF THE POWER MAY BE OF GOD, AND NOT OF US.” (2 Corin. 4:6-7)