Servant of All

“Libi sma moeilijk yere.”

This is an observation made from time to time over the years by one seasoned saint. People are difficult. This is true. We are the ones (Jb12:2). Reflecting on how to live at peace with all men as much as is possible, naturally leads to reflections on dealing with difficult people. First among these reflections is that we ourselves are numbered among these difficult people. Second among these reflections is how terribly difficult others can be. And as we reflect on these things we begin to identify particular difficulties, particular issues, challenges, traits and ideally some possible solutions.

Among the difficulties of difficult people are pride, arrogance, disrespect, disobedience, rudeness, anger, malice, slander (E4:31), hatred, unkindness, deceitfulness, ignorance, unpredictability, unforgiveness, inconsistency, obstinance, indefatigability, contrariness, orneriness. And stubbornness. Yes, stubbornness is brutal. Stubbornness is weighty (Pr27:3). It is a bear, a beast.

So after we see all these things in ourselves, we continue reflecting on God’s WORD which has power to transform, and burn, to purge and overcome, to break and to heal.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

And then we come to that word servant. After thinking about love languages and heaping coals, about kindness and persistence in doing good. We come to that word servant, and we are reminded that it is the glory of God to transform people. It is the duty of man to be the servant of all these difficult people. What must begin as difficult people serving difficult people cannot but lead to transformation. Not instant gratification (H11:25). Rather, the lifelong dedication, not focused on strategies for transforming others, but on strategies for being

The servant of all.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42‭-‬45