Serving the Family Series

August 20, 2010

HINDRANCES TO SERVING IN

THE FAMILY--PART 1

Scriptures Reading--John 13:3-6

One reason we fail to experience lasting change in our lives is that we often deal with a problem's symptoms rather than its root issue.  True repentance deals with the cause--not just being sorry about painful results.  Leadership problems in the home stem from failing to serve biblically.

Some fail to serve because of insecurity.  Jesus willingly served the disciples because He had centered His life in accomplishing His Father's will, not in having His own needs met.  True security comes from centering our lives on the Heavenly Father's plan.  If we center our lives on temporal values, we will always be insecure; however, if our lives are centered on eternal values ( God, His Word, and His Kingdom ), we will be secure because these values don't change.

Position-conscious people are not servants.  They are more concerned about image, status, and reputation.  It's obvious that Peter hadn't yet learned the lesson of true servanthood from the Lord.  When Jesus came to wash Peter's feet, Peter resisted ( 13:6-8 ).  His response conveyed the idea of "Lord, leaders don't wash feet!  Servants wash beet."  What was unspoken was his attitude--"Lord, I'm one of the leaders of this group, and others are supposed to wash our feet."  His insecurity and image-consciousness hindered his willingness to serve. 

Others fail to serve because of personal pride.  Arrogance makes us believe we deserve better.  Washing feet--hard and demeaning work--was the task of a lowly servant.

A true servant is willing to do the most undesirable tasks in the home.  Elisha wasn't looking for a position but for an opportunity to be a blessing to Elijah, his leader.  He provided water to wash Elijah's hands ( 2 Kings 3:11 ).  If we are true servants, we won't hesitate to put on the garment of a humble servant ( 1 Peter 5: 5 ) and to do a task we may consider to be beneath us.

DISCUSS:  What responsibilities in your home do you consider to be beneath you?  What is keeping you from serving your family members?

--Rick Johnson--