He who serves best, serves God

I was sitting at one of the tables under the tent at River Fest yesterday when I noticed them. Ted Phillips and Bob Reed were walking around emptying the trash cans and refilling the paper towel dispensers. I pointed it out to my daughter and said, "Imagine that. Both of those guys are former recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award in Norwich and they are doing janitorial duty."

Of course that is part of the reason that they were honored in their respective years. Both of these men have logged in countless hours of community service. They have not only chaired major events and served on numerous committees but they have done the behind the scenes grunt work as well. They have that "Whatever it takes" attitude which is an inspiration to so many others.

It is one thing to lead and be up front. It is another to step onto the field and work side by side with your team. As I watched them chat and make their way through the grounds I thought about Jesus and his disciples. Jesus was the Lord of Lords, the son of God and yet, he never claimed any special privileges.

As a matter of fact Jesus, on the night when he was to be betrayed, got down on his hands and knees and washed his disciple's feet. He then told them that if they wanted to transform the world they needed to do it from the bottom up. He actually said that the greatest among them should be servant to all.

Jesus came and turned the world upside down. People noticed and the crowds followed him. Maybe we need to take him seriously and follow his example.

Cal