Claiming our Servant Power

Too often we equate Christianity with passivity. We misinterpret Jesus' meekness for weakness.  We misunderstand the Biblical use of the word "servant."  While all disciples are servants of God, stewards are not just servants, but also friends, beloved, partners with God through Christ. That changes our concept of the word servant from one who is powerless to one who has been given unlimited power when acting as God's representative. Nelson Mandela addressed that point, and our reluctance to accept that power, when he gave his 1994 inaugural speech.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond words. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. ...We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”- from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson.

The New Testament is full of statements about who we are as stewards. 

“You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel basket. Instead they put it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:13-16)

"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.” (I Peter 2:9)

 What bold empowering words for a member of the Circle of Stewards. Stand up Stewards.  Claim your legacy as people of God. It’s time for us to fulfill our calling as people of the light and bring the special gifts of First Church, the gifts of love, healing, grace, and reason, to a world that is groaning in darkness and despair. Stand up - the Circle embraces and empowers you.