As leading servants, are we making any impact on the
communities in which our institutions are located? What about our churches,
schools, and hospitals and book stores? Are these neighborhoods better places
to live because of our existence in these communities? When was the last time
that you heard someone from the community say, “I am a better father today
because of your church;” or “I am a better mother because of your hospital;” or
“I am a better person because of your school” or “I am a better person because
of your book store?”
The problem is not our inability to do this; it is our pride
and our lack of concern for people. That is a problem God has observed about
His people throughout the ages. Because of institutionalized, corporate “churchianity,”
we are often reluctant to be connected with people outside our church, hospital,
school or book store.
Growing up Christian we have been taught and trained to sell
our brand of religion. We are so intent on convincing people that their lives
are messed up, that their faith is wrong, and that their beliefs are incorrect
that we overlook the fact that we are unskilled at listening to and engaging
people. We often look at these people as prospects for membership, rather than
as spiritual beings with the same need for God that we have.
Bill Hybels says that Christ through the church is “the hope
of the world,” Sung Kwon in this book teaches us that servants are the hope of
the kingdom of God.
God has called us to servanthood; that is nonnegotiable.
We follow Jesus in humble and loving service, as He Himself
was the humble Servant. By Christ’s model of compassionate service and love, we
can lead people to spiritual transformation, and then transform the world for
the kingdom of God on earth, as it is in heaven.
You can read the first chapter on line for free by clicking here.
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