Serving An Audience of One
If you are anything like me then the start of a New Year is always that impetus to do some self-reflection.
And with each unfolding year, I recommit to be more deliberate in how I use my gifts and talents entrusted to me by God. But if truth be told, it is at the point of acting on that noble goal that “self” can sometimes get in the way.
I will confess (another new year’s goal!), that once I take on more responsibilities within the body of Christ, my mind travels into judgment of others. I wonder why the same people do all the work, while the majority sit in comfort and often critique what’s happening around them. (Sigh)!
To which I must remind myself: That. Is. None. Of. My. Business.
These recurring thoughts expose my self-centered nature, which we all share as fallen humans. Consider how often Paul encourages believers to reject selfishness and to humbly consider others above themselves. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
There is a notable principle that is prevalent in all walks of life. It is called the Pareto Principle, more commonly known as the 80/20 rule which means that 20% of an organization or group will take on the responsibility to get most of the work done, while the 80% focus on observing, criticizing, or relying on the efforts of the few. And this sadly includes the church.
This is the exact opposite of what we as believers are called to do:
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many”(Matthew 20:28).
I remind myself that there is nothing more gratifying than to serve the Lord by utilizing our gifts and talents for the good of others. They were not given to us to be buried in the ground.
Remember the parable of the talents. Jesus describes a wealthy man preparing for a long journey. Before he leaves, he entrusts his servants with wealth giving them each a different amount to tend to.
Upon return, the first two servants took their talents and doubled them. The master was pleased and gave them even more. The third servant played it safe and instead buried his talent, so he wouldn’t jeopardize losing it.
This infuriated the master as he called this man wicked and lazy. The bottom line is Jesus is encouraging us to be faithful, diligent stewards to what he has given to us in time, talents, and treasures.
The parable concludes with the master saying “For everyone who has, more will be given, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Matthew 25:29). It appears Jesus had a just opinion on this.
So as much as I enjoy serving, I need to do several things. Stop examining what other people do or don’t do with their talents. That is between them and God.
Serve for the glory of God and His eyes alone not for the eyes of man. I remember reading this statement that was very convicting. It said, “the easiest way to know if you’re a servant is by how you react when people treat you like one.”
So, while my heart says, yes, Lord, I want to be a servant, I must resist doing so to be seen or acknowledged by others. The take-away is if you are gladly serving in the nursery, kitchen, or Sunday school class without the need to be noticed or appreciated or thanked—yours is the heart of God.
So, as I choose to serve better, I remind myself to NOT look around and see who is sitting out. If they are sitting out, they are missing out. And in those moments when someone takes advantage of the work being done, I try to remember that I serve an audience of One and be grateful for the opportunity. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage (Philippians 2: 5-11).
