Scissortail Hospice Chaplain Bristow, Oklahoma ONHL Chaplain Drumright, Oklahoma
It is a privilege and honor to serve others. At first glance this seems contrary to common sense. Most people believe that “being served” will make you happier than “serving others.” On April 30, 1945, the Mutual Radio Network began a radio program called “Queen For a Day.” The audience, mostly women, fantasized about how happy they would be in a position of power, giving orders to others. In 1956 it became a television program that lasted until 1964. The program was so popular that NBC increased its running time from 30 to 45 minutes to sell more commercials, at a then-premium rate of $4,000 per minute.
Jesus addressed this situation with his disciples shortly before he was crucified. “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:24-27) Remember! “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) The Scriptures teach that there are “thousands upon thousands of angels” (Hebrews 12:22). So, let us suppose that you are an angel of God in heaven. Suddenly the word goes out that Jesus is sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane and God is going to send an angel to strengthen him (Luke 22:43). Would you like that assignment or not? Most would consider it an honor! Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. He created all things (John 1:3). Ultimately Jesus will be the Judge of all things (John 5:22). Someday every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11). How would you feel if God tapped you on the shoulder and gave you the great privilege and honor of serving Jesus in His hour of need?
And yet, as incredible as it seems, we can avail ourselves of this privilege every day if we are inclined to do so. On Judgment Day Jesus will say: “‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:34-40) According to a Gallup Poll people in the United States under the age of 30 are among the most unhappy people on earth. Regarding overall ages the United States ranks 23rd in happiness, but among those under 30 we are 62nd. Yet Wikipedia states: “The standard of living in the United States is high by the standards that most economists use, and for most of the 20th century, the United States was widely recognized as having the highest standard of living in the world.” Jesus warned: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15). Obviously we can learn something about serving others from Jesus!
Freddie Prinze was a famous actor and comedian in the 1970’s. His first TV experience was on the Jack Paar show in 1973. A big show biz break came in December 1973 when he appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. In 1974 he starred as “Chico” in the NBC TV series Chico and the Man. The show was an instant hit. Freddie became rich and famous, appearing with such celebrities as Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Muhammad Ali, Rich Little, and a host of others. He starred in his own made for TV movie and in November 1976 signed a $6 million contract with NBC. On January 28, 1977 Freddie Prinze put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. He was only 22 years old!
While only God knows what led this talented young man to take his own life, it is clear that riches and fame are not the key to happiness. The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi as a prisoner in Rome. Remarkably, however, Paul wrote nothing negative! In fact, the words “joy” and “rejoicing” are found 16 times in this short letter. When he wrote: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” he was providing evidence that the way to happiness and fulfillment is experienced by those who follow the example of Christ in serving others.
In the Nun’s Story by Kathryn Hulme, Sister William taught her students that they should treat all of their patients like they were treating Jesus. “All for Jesus, Sister William had said in the ward, pulling on the rubber gloves. Say it my dear students. Every time you are called upon for what seems an impossible task. Then you can do anything with serenity. It is a talisman phrase that takes away the disagreeable inherent in many nursing duties. Say it for the bedpans you carry, for the old in- continents you bathe, for those sputum cups of the tubercular. Tout pour Jesus, she said briskly as she bent to change a dressing foul with corruption. Gabrielle, Jeannine, Charlotte, come closer and watch how I do this. You see how easy? All for Jesus! This is no beggar’s body picked up in the Rue de la Radis, this is Jesus and this suppurating sore is one of his wounds.”
Just think! By serving others we can have the same honor bestowed upon the angel who ministered to Jesus in the garden. Jesus was so desperate that His sweat turned crimson in the light of the Passover moon. Helping others is not an option! It is an honor that pays rich dividends! Remember! You must not only believe that God is, but you must also believe that He will reward all those who diligently seek Him! (Hebrews 11:6)