Service

Often the Church splits into two groups: the scholars and the servants. The Scholars spend their time debating theological differences and reading the endless volumes of doctrine and divinity. The servants range from organizations to individuals who go out to their community or to countries seeking to serve. These missionaries and caregivers are the "hands and feet of the ministry." But what about the scholars? Are they not the "head and mouth" of the ministry?

The Church is suppose to be a reflection or mirror of Jesus Christ. When the world sees us, they should see the Lord. One could argue that missionaries, caregivers, and counselors are closer to Christ, because they are out there; in the world tending to the "least of these." However, scholars and scribes spent much time in Scripture and can answer many daunting questions that intellectuals and skeptical people ask. They may not clean Aids orphans, but they do clean the minds of those who have different kind of disease.

However, there is a moment in Jesus' Ministry that will challenge every Christian. This moment is when Christ called his disciples to come forth and have their feet washed. The reaction was probably not unlike what many of us would have. St. Peter responded to Jesus, "No Lord! You shall never wash my feet. To which Jesus responded, "unless I wash your feet, then you have no part with me." Peter then said, "then wash my whole body!" But Jesus refused this request and said, "you have no need of having your whole body washed, only your feet is dirty."  (John 13:1-17).

The scholar would analysis this as allegorical and try to find the hidden meaning. Does the dirt represent Sin and Jesus is washing it away symbolically to foreshadow his death and resurrection? Is this like the Last Supper a analogy or imagery for what God is doing? The scholar will endeavor with great mental acuity to find some way to explain this scripture away as allegory. The reason? If it is not a symbol, but an act of service the Lordi s modeling, then the scholar would be forced to practice it.

I believe Jesus' washing of the disciples feet had three levels. One was practical, their feet was dirty, back then sandals were common and cheap, and the roads were mostly dirt like they are in Africa. The second is that Jesus is showing the disciples that they must be servants and be willing to see to even the smallest, yet significant need. Thirdly and more importantly, the washing of feet is about intimacy. For those who want to see Jesus as distant God, who requires you to wear special robes, jewelry, and do chants and rites, the washing of feet breaks the mold; for it is God being humble and cleaning the foot, which is one of the servant parts of the body. In a way there is an allegory, but not one that supports being in library and never being uncomfortable.

Jesus was showing the Disciples what a servant is like. All the sermons and parables of the Lord were leading up to this moment. When Jesus said, "the greatest in the Kingdom shall be the servant of all," (Mark 9:35) He was setting forth a principle and pattern that would become the Church. Unfortunately, imperialism and politics took hold of the Church in 338 A.D. As a result the image of service became lost until the advent of Monks and lay churchmen who sought to be servants of Christ and in their community. Spiritual needs are important, but so is intimacy. God came not to create another religion with rules, He came to relate and He paid a price to ensure we could connect with Him, and that was on the cross.

My objective is not to shame scholars or scholastic Christians. Reading, reasoning, and expanding your mind has great merit. But we must beware of becoming too book learned that we become useless to others. It is not an either or, one can be both the scholar and servant. One can speak and read the Scripture and also act upon them in practical ways. Let not your faith just be on folded pages, but found amongst the faces of the people. Remember, being the "hands and feet," doesn't always mean washing feet or providing aid to those who have ailments. Sometimes it is praying with someone, talking to a lonely soul, reaching out to distressed sister or brother. Do not put limits or boxes on service, but be willing to serve.