The Servant As a Giver

"Philosophers are people who talk about something they don't understand and make you think it's your fault." Charles Swindoll's Greek teacher

Lots of philosophies are floating around, and most of them are more confusing than they are helpful. Interestingly, those that are clear enough to be understood usually end up focusing full attention on the individual. Consider a few of them:

Greece said, "Be wise, know yourself!"
Rome said, "Be strong, discipline yourself!"
Religion says, "Be good, conform yourself!"
Epicureanism says, "Be sensuous, enjoy yourself!"
Education says, "Be resourceful, expand yourself!"
Psychology says, "Be confident, assert yourself!"
Materialism says, "Be satisfied, please yourself!"
Pride says, "Be superior, promote yourself!"
Asceticism says, "Be lowly, suppress yourself!"
Humanism says, "Be capable, believe in yourself!"
Legalism says, " Be pious, limit yourself!"
Philanthropy says, "Be generous, release yourself!"

Isn't there a better way?

Yourself, yourself, yourself. We're up to here with self! Do something either for yourself or with yourself. How very different from Jesus' model and message! No "philosophy" to turn our eyes inward, He offers rather a fresh and much-needed invitation to our "me-first" generation. There is a better way. Jesus says, "Be a servant, give to others!" Now that's a philosophy that anybody can understand. And, without question, it is attainable. Just listen:

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

Inspirational Christian Library, The Treasured Writings of Charles Swindoll; Page 27-28 (Chapter 3 - The Servant As a Giver).