Serving By Submission

“For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

(Luke 22:27, ESV)

One of the distinct pieces I have noticed about Daniel (as we have been working through Daniel 1-6 Sunday mornings) is that he remained consistently faithful while serving under four different ungodly kings. He served the nation even though it was not his own. He served the kings even though they saw him as a last resort. He served while still remaining consistently faithful to God.

This COVID season feels somewhat similar to his experiences. We feel anxious about what is happening. We also feel agitated by what is being asked of and forced upon us. We are wrestling through the details and seeming contradictions that are part of everyday life. How do we remain consistently faithful as Daniel did?

Daniel was a servant. He clearly served God … demonstrated by his commitment to Godly habits (chapter 1), allowing God to speak through him (the various dreams and visions explained), and an active prayer life (chapter 6). But he also clearly served the kings and nations he was under, having gained their respect and being kept in leadership even when the regime changed.

What opportunities for serving are being offered us? Will we respect the concerns of others even if that means placing our opinions below their concerns? Will we work for the benefit of others? Will we consistently serve God while still engaging with and serving our world and society and neighbours?