Romans 12:2… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of G__what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Powerful words for our lives.
As servants, we want our minds to be transformed to new ways of thought, newness of purpose and an open heart regarding our fellow brothers and sisters, whom we have neglected far too long.
We go to our jobs and we are not happy. As a result of this unhappiness, we run past other employees, do not listen to their needs, and are not aware of their unhappiness. They may be wondering the same about us. We spend the majority of our time working and yet we do not like our circumstances. We leave work and take it out at home, again running past our families going somewhere. We, again, do not want to listen and we are not aware of their unhappiness. Is there an answer?
Yes.
The Apostle Paul again tells us in Romans 12:14-18…Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate wiht the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Servants are not subserviant. Servants are wise counsel for the good of all. This is what servant hospitality is all about. We are to give wise counsel, unbiased and without emotion, to everyone we come in contact with in our lives. Sometimes we have to walk away but we have at least tried to be the person we know we can be.
In the workplace, listen more. Work harder. Help others to work harder. Praise when needed and correct when needed. Would you like to be ignored? How would you feel if no one helped you or made you stronger? The old saying of strength in numbers is a good one, as it verifies that when all are truly focused in like fashion to a goal of the best service possible, there is reward in the soul.
Does anyone really need to be told that he or she did a good job? Do you need to be told that you were not at your best today? Perhaps, just perhaps, you are aware of both situations and will take measures to do even better. Make each day a good day and make certain that you laugh – it cleanses the soul; and, have others laugh with you. There is joy in any situation and it is our job to find that joy, even in sadness.
Did you stop to buy lemonade from a young child who had taken the effort to make the stand, make the lemonade and then sit out in the hot sun? Did you stop your car and mow the grass for an elderly person who is alone? Have you carried out the garbage for someone who is sick? Have you put your arm around someone today and just said hello? Have you offered free advice on occasions when there was no one around who truly cared? Have you told your wife how blessed you are to have her? Even though your children drive you crazy, have you hugged them today?
Servants are aware of the needs of others all of the time. What we want is for this infection of ours never to be cured but to spread to everyone with no hope of an antidote. We take a vaccine against this disease and even get a booster shot, never realizing that the fever that we once had was also the cure for our pre existing condition. We need no government program of automatic insurance with its penalties or the high premiums of our insurance giants to cure this fever. We know the cure – giving of oneself in everything that we do.
Sir Walter Scott told us, “One hour of life, crowded to the full with glorious action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean observances of paltry decorum,”
As you are enjoying the Olympics, remind yourself that possibly, quite possibly, there is someone out there that you know who could benefit today with glorious action from you.
Now, that is a discussion for another day.
Blessings.