(38.) S is for Servants in Charge

(38.) S is for Servants in Charge

Jesus once mentioned a mini-parable with maxi-meaning. It is a little story about a regal homeowner who left his servants in charge of his property during an extended trip away. (Mark 13:34). This seems to be a clear picture of the in-between time in which we are living right now, between Christ’s ascension and his return. A key aspect of our identity as believers is found in obeying the king’s instructions while he is away. The king is calling upon us, his power is given to us through his Spirit, to maintain and extend his kingdom and influence. We are his servants, that’s who we are, and he has asked us to be his hands and feet in his absence, doing what he would do if he were here: mercy, justice, peace and flourishing in his world.

When the king first came to establish his reign, he came in the form of a servant. So as his subjects our lives will be shaped in that likeness as well. Regardless of our career or life task, servanthood is our joyous earthly destiny until the king returns, and it is how he will gauge our obedience and effectiveness. As Ken Taylor said, “Your care for others is the measure of your greatness.” A Christ-centered school that doesn’t engender that spirit will be mighty embarrassed upon his return.

Ok, but what about this “in charge” part of the job description? Let’s go back, way back to creation. When the Creator God gave marching orders to our human parents, he basically said that a godly life must include earthly stewardship. It’s as if he said: Carefully tend this beautiful world; Be responsible stewards of my creation; Use nature, don’t abuse it; Maintain the goodness of my handiwork; You are my designated caretakers in charge of all I have made, so don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, and do everything you think I would do. Enjoy my world without destroying it, or I will take this personally.

So woe unto us educators if our students are not growing in serving the king by caring for others and by growing in their love for God’s world. After all, we are servants in charge.