In studying the attributes of Jesus and His bondservant disciples I have asked God to show me what BONDSERVANT '09 looks like. I got a glimpse of it on Monday. But I'll have to tell you what happened on Sunday first.
Sunday our pastor was out of town and our youth pastor preached. To illustrate his message on "cluttered lives and busyness" he had a sofa on the stage overflowing with laundry and an assortment of other out of place items.
In his message he explained the significance of the messy sofa. And he added that prior to service someone commented to him, "Hmmmm, that looks like our couch."
The congregation chuckled, including myself. Until, that is, my daughter who was seated on the pew beside me, whispered, "Dad said that."
Oh. My. Goodness. I shot dagger eyes to the back of the sanctuary where "Dad" was running the sound booth. I kept my neck craned in his direction waiting for him to sheepisly glance my way. He didn't.
In the spirit of, well, the SPIRIT, I "forgave my transgressor." At least temporarily.
Several hours later and while cleaning the kitchen after Sunday dinner, I suddenly remembered the ill-fated comment about the couch. Seizing my moment, I looked over at where Dad was sitting. Okay, his name is Dan.
And I said, "So that cluttered sofa on the stage looks like ours, huh?"
Dan laughed, albeit nervously.
Emboldened by his guilty expression, I continued, "Our couch NEVAH looks like that."
"No, it doesn't," he responded.
"Then why did you say that?"
Here is where he got a little testy and replied, "I don't think it's a big deal."
And here is where I heard a gentle, yet firm, voice.
And the inaudible voice said, "bondservant."
And in that moment, when I was about to go into my little speech that would have started with, "Well, how would you feel if I...," I got a glimpse of what BONDSERVANT '09 looks like in MY house.
It looks like this.
I give up my "right" to state my case.
I give up my "right" to wait for an apology.
I give up my "right" to have that comment about our couch be retracted.
I give up my "right" to manage the opinion our youth pastor may have formed about my housekeeping. (Although, I doubt he even "went there.")
You see, a bondservant is one who is so loyal to his Master, that he gives up his personal "rights" and simply goes about His Master's business.
And in my kitchen last Sunday, my Master's business did not include hammering on my husband for a silly little comment. My Master's business was all about laying aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares me...like pride...like resentment...like anger.
Even though, I was all geared up to "take care of business" with my husband, the voice of my Master reminded me to "be about His business."
And that's what it looks like to be a BOND GIRL in a Modern World."Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" Philippians 2:5-8.
As you can see, there is no clutter nor laundry on the couch. The side table, however, is a "whole, 'nuther" story! See the Mr. Potato Head in the background decor? In the interest of full disclosure and honesty and all that...it's been sitting there for at least 2 weeks!
