"Why do you serve ?"

There is a certain sense of arrogance that comes with doing good for someone else. There are many assumptions made about others needs and desires that, often times, lead to poor outcomes. We presume to know what is best for someone else based entirely on our subjective impressions and our own personal desires and ambitions...for them. Quite frequently we operate from the standpoint of a benefactor relationship. We are naturally self centered and sadly pursue a self centered agenda without the common courtesy of even minimally consulting those we propose to serve. We, in fact, are serving ourselves and in the long run that will not be sustainable. We will get tired...bored...and move on to the next trendy cause. When we create a dependency on ourselves and what we can bring and give it removes the importance of being dependent on God and His divine provision. This steals Gods glory and sometimes removes Him completely. Brandon Hatmaker, author of Barefoot Church, recently stated in his blog,

“We need to stop serving the poor just because it makes us feel good. We need to stop serving the poor because we like bragging about it. We need to stop serving the poor because it’s the hip thing to do right now. We need to stop serving the poor because we’re hoping God will be pleased with us. All those reasons are about us. They steal God’s glory and they will be exposed for what they are.”

It is both unfortunate and sad that there are certain erroneous perceptions of me when I go on mission trips...by both the people I hope to serve and those left behind. Much of this misunderstanding comes from well intentioned but misguided missioners that have gone before me. Based on their actions and attitudes of others a multitude of negative stereotypes are created. Sadly, I am viewed as the giver and bringer of things and the person I hope to serve the receiver. This creates a passive relationship which is very similar to the one many of us have with God. God is indeed the giver and bringer of things...our provider... but that relationship also is not sustainable if we just wait on stuff to be brought and handed to us. God desires an active relationship with us based on our dependence on Him and our presence. It is difficult to be present in any relationship where we are focused on what WE bring and what WE can get. I have really started to examine what I can be as opposed to what I can bring or do. I am coming to an understanding that what I can be is a reflection of Christ...I can be a bearer of grace that is so freely given to me. And most importantly of all, I can be present at all times in the lives of those I strive to serve. Honestly, I really don't think Jesus would want it any other way.