Luke 12:37       Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Jesus was a willing servant.  He expects you and me to be servants as well.  Recently my wife and I had lunch at a local restaurant.  It was certainly not a fancy eating establishment; in fact, it was a franchise place.  But the food was acceptable and the building was clean.  What I remember about this restaurant was the waitress, a middle-aged lady of quiet but efficient manner.  Her concept of service was remarkable.  She knew when to approach the table to help and she knew when to stay away.  It was if she could sense when we needed something and she anticipated us every time.  When we asked for something, she smiled and reacted as if filling our need was her greatest pleasure for the day.  She didn’t make us wait for the check either, drumming our fingers on the table.  She watched us carefully and knew exactly when to present the bill.  I said to her, “Ma’am, I must tell you that you are an incredible waitress!  Thank you!”  And I reinforced my comments with a more than ample tip.

Service is so vital in any enterprise.  I have eaten at fancy places where the food was good but the service was awful.  I won=t return to those places.  But I will return to the restaurant just described again and again – IF we can have that lady as our waitress.  I don’t remember the food so much or even the decor, but I remember the service!

How important it is for a church to give good service!  I have often visited one of the largest churches on the west coast.  I enjoy going there for many reasons, chiefest of which is that before I ever get to the door I am made to feel as if I belong there.  On the other hand I have visited churches where it was made obvious they could not possibly care if I was there or not.  How about help from the parking attendants?  Helpful ushers?  Clean restrooms?  Service!  This is not rocket science.  It’s just plain common sense, not to mention scriptural.

Prayer:  O God, help me to remember that Jesus came to serve, not to be served.  As a follower of our blessed Lord, may I be of service to all those around me.  May others see Jesus in the way I address myself to their burdens of life.   Amen.