The Arrogant Servant

I am reading a book right now that talks about the nature of service and philanthropy at the turn of the century in America. Specifically the arrogance of the service. It came in two ways:

Individual Arrogance. America had been greatly influenced by the British cast system in our founding. This system had an arrogance built into it that found its way into philanthropy. The upper cast (the wealthy and the powerful) felt a societal pressure to help the lower cast (the poor). This pressure was based on the premise that those that are blessed should help those that are not as blessed.

Can you hear the condescension and arrogance in that statement? We, the blessed, are here to help you the unfortunate. In addition to being condescending it is also untrue. It assumes that financial wealth is always a blessing. In reality the Bible sometimes depicts wealth as a spiritual challenge. The wealthy have to battle a temptation to trust in their wealth instead of God. It also assumes that financial wealth is the only way that God blesses. In reality God blesses in ways that go far beyond a persons financials, see Matthew 5-7 for several examples. If Matthew 5-7 is true, the wealthy (the higher cast) might have much to learn from the less fortunate (the lower cast).

This arrogance caused the wealthy to look down on those they were helping with a pity and a condescension. So, people are being helped in the short term, but not being given any real dignity in the long term. Also, the cast system never really changes because the “rich” have no real desire to give up their wealth and their power. Their only desire is to feel good about themselves and how they helped those less fortunate.

Governmental Arrogance. This arrogance eventually found its way into our governmental systems. The government decided they were going to help those less fortunate through social programs. I think this was ultimately well intentioned and flowed from a true desire to help. But, the attitude became with some, we are going to help those less fortunate because they can’t help themselves. They aren’t capable. You can hear the condescension. Over time some of these social programs became a way to secure a voting base rather than actually helping those that need it most.

Followers of Jesus are called to be different and our compassion is to look different. Ultimately, we follow the example of Jesus. The Apostle Paul said it this way in Philippians 2:

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

An arrogant service will never do much good and never serve as many people. Why? Because it is ultimately about the giver and not the receiver. So, to the best of our ability, we want to rid our service and philanthropy of pride and arrogance. I think this text gives us some good things to think about:

Understand you are not God: God is the redeemer. God is the savior. God is the sustainer. God is in control. You are not God. You are a servant. Your job, and mine, is to serve but is not to save, control, sustain, or redeem. We do a disservice to the people we serve when we attempt to replace or be God. It never works. The only person who could have had a God complex was Jesus and He refused to be that way with people. Let’s lay down the cape and our desire to be their savior and just love and serve. Leave saving them to God. He is better at it.

Consider others first: The text talks about valuing others above yourselves. This isn’t to say that they have more value than you but it is to say you don’t have more value than them. You don’t have more value because you are wealthy, successful, or powerful. Every person has innate value. It is also saying that when we serve we consider them first, before us. What do they really need? What will really help? How can I really serve them? The text says that we look out for the interest of others. Serving and giving can feel good. We just want to make sure that what we get doesn’t become more important than what we are called to give.

Be humble: Pride says, I have what you need. Humility says, Jesus has what they need. Pride says, be like me. Humility says, be like Jesus. Pride says, I am more fortunate. Humility says, I want to learn from you.

Before you do that act of service, ask God to give you a humble heart like Jesus. The Spirit has a desire to transform us into the likeness of Jesus. A heart that desires humility will ultimately find a way to serve the way Jesus served. Prideful service makes me feel good. Humble service will change the world.