The Cost of Serving,
R.H.I.P. is a commonly known acronym which stands for Rank Has Its Privileges. It describes the benefits afforded those who are in positions of authority or power. It highlights the difference between those of lower ranks and stature from their senior leaders. It can be the benefits of a preferred parking spot close to the door of a building or being able to go first in line to get food.
In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus lived the life of a servant and demonstrated his love for God’s people by serving them. Before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus would perform one final and powerful act of service before he was crucified. He would wash the disciples’ feet as recorded in John 13 where Jesus says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
This act of service was truly revolutionary and sets the course for the life Christians should live as followers of Christ. Paul echoes this sentiment in our scripture reading from Philippians 2:5 where he says, “Let this same mind be in you that you have in Christ Jesus.” We see countless examples throughout the gospels where Jesus who came to earth in the form of God humbled himself and took the form of a servant even to the point of death.
We are thankful you chose to worship with us today, and we pray that today’s message will be a reminder as Paul taught to Christians in Galatia, “as you have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
— André McMillian, elder
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