Articles
THE SERVANT AND THE SERVANTS
In Acts 6, we are introduced to what some would identify as “deacons” in the church
(Acts 6:1-6). They are not so recognized as “deacons” at that time in church history, even though
the role they play may very well find their beginnings at that time. It is important to note that the
reason these men were set aside for “serving” was so that the twelve [apostles] could continue
preaching the word of God without interruption. This does not suggest that the apostles thought
“serving” was beneath them, nor that preaching the word of God was more important. It does
suggest that the apostles felt there were others who could adequately fill the role in benevolence
while they continued their work of preaching the gospel (The Church of Christ, A Biblical
Ecclesiology for Today, Everett Ferguson). In several of his letters, the apostle Paul spoke of the
roles which Christians needed to fill, as part of the body of Christ (Romans 12:3-13; 1
Corinthians 12).
The term “deacon” is from the word “diakonos”, denoting a “servant”. In the church
today, deacons are about serving and they serve in different capacities, but they are never listed
as the only ones to be about serving. As Christians, serving is what we do! We follow in the
footsteps of Jesus, “...He went about doing good, …” (Acts10:38). We also were taught the
lesson of “serving” when Jesus washed the feet of the apostles when they were too occupied
trying to determine who was the “greatest” (John 13:5-20). The apostle Paul compares our lives
with the life of Christ when he challenges, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but
with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not
merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this
attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, …” (Phil. 2:3-5).
We are truly blessed to have many servants who are actively serving in this congregation.
But, is it also possible that there are those who could be serving who have decided it isn’t
necessary to serve? Being a servant of God can take on many different looks of service, but
always demands sacrifice on the individual’s part. Maybe that is the question we need to ask
ourselves on a daily basis. Are we willing to empty ourselves of our personal comfort so as to be
the servant the Lord wants us to be in the church, in our families, in our neighborhoods, in the
community of Monticello? Do people see us [you] as a servant like Jesus? If not, why not?
~P.Mowrer
