The Servant Principle
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Powell's Books
Synopsis:
The Servant Principle is a dynamic call that challenges us to return to Christian service, performing tasks for the Lord in all walks of life -- at home, in our communities, on the job, and most of all, in the church. Whether used for discipleship study, training, or worship, The Servant Principle will help you become a servant for Christ and a confident agent of God's will.
Book Excerpt:
Jesus Christ's love was unconditional. People often forget that amidst all the feet that Jesus cleaned was a pair belonging to the betraying man who would hand him over to the authorities to be crucified. Nonetheless, he lovingly washed the feet of Judas. In all likelihood, the path Judas took leading to the upper meeting room originated at the location of the betrayal (see John 13:2). Jesus knew where the dirt on Judas' feet came from. After he served bread to his disciples, he instructed Judas, "What you are about to do, do quickly" (John 13:27).
Judas was there, and Jesus washed his feet.
Jesus cleaned the filthy feet of the filthy man who plotted the filthiest betrayal.
While it had to be hard to wash the feet he knew would still be running to his enemies to betray him, he still demonstrated his love for Judas. If it had been anybody else with the same foreknowledge, the scene would have likely been much different. If anybody else had been in Christ's place, the other eleven disciples would have received a foot washing. When it was Judas' turn, anybody else would have dunked his head in that filthy water and held him under a while. That wasn't how Jesus operated. Jesus washed the feet of the one who was betraying him because his love was unconditional. Christ's unconditional love is the only way to explain how Judas could sprint through the night to betray his Lord with freshly cleaned feet.
Can you do what Jesus did? Can you wash the feet of those who betray, violate, or hurt you? Can you cleanse the feet of a person who deceived you, cheated you, or used you? Can you wash the feet of the "Judases" in your life? This is the ultimate test of whether you have a servant's spirit. When someone hurts you or offends you, can you take the initiative and return that act of betrayal and injustice with an act of kindness and ministry?
Scripture Exorts:
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore " If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:17-21)
Also
But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matt. 5:44)
Take the person who cheated you on a business deal to lunch. Forgive the person who dents your car. Invite to dinner the opponent stealing your business. Buy a gift congratulating the one taking your job. Speak well of those who criticize you. Bake a pie for the neighbor who allows his pet's waste in your yard. Send a card or flowers to the boyfriend or girlfriend breaking up with you. Even if your ex is suing you for more money, volunteer to go over and help with the house painting. Everybody has a Judas in life. Everybody has received a raw deal at least once in life. How can you wash the feet of your Judas? Are you even open to the suggestion? You may think it will kill you to go to that person who betrayed you, cheated you, abused you, who hurt you so deeply. But Jesus said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:17).
Have courage. You will need a lot of it to obey Christ in this endeavor. If you do, you will receive the greatest joy and satisfaction you have ever known. Moreover, your active display of love will also be the most powerful Christian witness to the offending person that you could possibly provide. It will open your life and heart for tremendous blessing from God himself. It will set you free from any bitterness or anger. It will lift you from depression and flood your life with joy. If God tells you to wash the feet of someone who betrayed or hurt you, and you sense resistence, repulsion, or refusal at the thought, take a moment to determine where your resistance originates. Either it comes from your enemy, Satan, or from your flesh, and it's sinful pride.
The time has come. Go. Do what your Savior did two thousand years ago.
Wash the feet of the Judas in your life.
Author Comment:
I had the honor of writing this with Rick Ferguson. It's content not only impacted me, it has shaped my entire outlook in ministry. When Rick died unexpectedly in 2002 as the result of an automobile accident, I used excerpts from this book to eulogize him in print. This book will help you understand how to put others before yourself, so that you can experience success you never knew possible. This work was also developed into a leadership development curriculum used by Leader's Edge, to help churches train servant-minded leaders for ministry.
Topics/Categories:
Type of Work:
Publishers:
Purchase From:
Original Publish Date:
June 12, 1997
Formats and associated ISBNs:
0-8054-1821-0
Formats:
Paperback
- Share With:
