Servant Liberation

     "Did Jesus lose his identity when he set his face towards Golgatha? Did Peter lose his identity when he responded to Jesus' cross-bearing command, 'Follow me' (John 21:19)? Did Paul lose his identity when he committed himself to the One who said, 'I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name' (Acts 9:16)? Of course not. We know that the opposite is true. They found their identity in the act of self-denial."          Richard Foster - Celebrating Discipline, pg. 114

     These men in history understood something great about living a life in the servitude of the people around them. They knew what it meant to take up their cross and follow Jesus. I know that the terms and concept are thrown around so much from the pulpits these days, and I mean no disrespect to our pastors whom we love so dearly, but I wonder whether or not we know how to take on this task that Jesus gave.

     I have recently been taught a fascinating formula that very well may be the key to beginning to understand the reason Jesus told us to, "take up our cross." Taking up my cross puts me into a place of humility and servanthood. This submission creates liberation in my live. Liberation makes it so I am not angered when I don't get what I think I am entitled to because I did something for someone else, or because they did something to me. I no longer have the burden of selfishness, I want the best for my brothers around me and I want to work to make it happen. Self gratification is no longer an avenue for pride to stick its ugly head into my life because I didn't do anything for myself. This beautiful demonstration of self-denial in our lives will give way to others, so the kingdom of God can grow.

     Richard Foster mentions seven acts of submission, I believe in order of importance, that we can begin focusing on right now.  The first being submission to the Triune God, start at the beginning of the day and live like He really is your King and Savior.

     The second submission is to the Scripture. Yield to the Word of God, seek conviction and obey his commands.
     Thirdly, we must submit to our family. Teens and children honor your parents, something I wish I did more as a kid. Wives respect your husband, and husbands love and adore your wife. Teach your children to be men and women of God, understanding their purpose and eternal worth.

     Fourth, submit to your neighbors and co-workers. Love them like Christ loved everyone around him. Serve them every chance you get, you are the Jesus in their life and they may never see him again unless you show his love through your life. Be a kindness evangelist.

     Fifth, submit to the church. Be like the first church in Acts 2 encouraging each other and providing for each other with everything you have that is more than you need. Pray with them and seek God with them, get underneath and carry your brothers and sisters by helping them in any way you can.

     Sixth, submit to the broken and lost, the widows and orphans. James 1:27 tells us to, "care for the orphans and the widows in their trouble..." There are always a myriad of ways these precious children of God can be served. You can start by offering to do repairs around their home or vehicle. If you aren't mechanically inclined invite them to your home for dinner and fellowship so you can simply be a blessing.

     And finally we must serve the world. We cannot shut ourselves away thinking that we are going to preserve our righteousness by not associating with the world. If you have to pray in the Spirit every step of the way as you run into the world head first, guns blazin', preaching the Word of God until you lead someone to salvation, so be it! But do not think that you can sit in the church services and Bible studies hanging out with church folk and think that you are living the life God has called you to, all the while hiding yourself from the world.

      Go and live as the child of God you are.