To Be Greatest Be Servants

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:1-12

I often watch how people treat the servers and others in restaurants.  It says a great deal about someone's character. Having worked in a restaurant, I have seen people treat servers very poorly. And those of us on shift complained about those customers out of sight. Often times these folks were just passing through, or tourists trying to eek the best of everything out of their vacation. Yet there are also folks who the wait staff will fight over to serve. They are kind, tip well and are patient in a overcrowded, bustling restaurant. May we be those who the staff fight over, those who are more ready to serve than to be served.

Gracious Creator, source of all of our blessings

you teach us how to respect and honor others

and you teach us to be servants of all the people

so we might honor your name here on earth.

Too often we are cruel and unkind to those serving

we are demanding and think they are less than

when they are blessed by you and uplifted

as the greatest among us for their faithfulness.

Help us to always get ready to be the servant

let us never think too highly of ourselves

let us set all titles and authority aside

so we might see your love flowing through us today. Amen.