How May I Serve You by Alan Scott
You hear it from time to time. Usually it catches the ear at a highbrow restaurant, tuxedo department in Neiman Marcus or a Roll Royce dealership. But it doesn’t have to be.
Thanksgiving afternoon finally arrived at our house. It was just four of us, my wife and her two adult sons. After the prayer, the dishes were passed around the table. My son-in-law, Kellen was sitting next to me, scooping out his portion of the delicious rosemary Swiss cheese sweet potato casserole right out of a heavy corning ware baking dish. When finished, instead of passing it to me, he said something to the effect of, “Can I dish this out for you?” That happens at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle, not at our house. I thought maybe he might place my napkin in my lap, as well. It was so unusual, but I accepted his offer. Ever since Thanksgiving I’ve been thinking about that humble moment of servant-hood.
Many years ago, while working at KLTY/Dallas, my boss, Jon Rivers, attended a showcase gala of sorts for radio and record labels in a ballroom at one of Nashville’s finest hotels. The dinner was prepared by the chefs of the hotel. It was arranged in a buffet style with servers in funny hats and chef smocks, standing at the ready behind each delicacy, under silver domes. After the meal was served, the reserved seats were waiting for artists, record and radio moguls. As Jon went through the buffet with the servers assembling his choice of dishes, he made his way to the end of the long line of serving tables to find exquisite dessert selections. The server asked, “How may I serve you?” Jon thought he recognized the voice. As he looked up from the wide range of desserts, there stood, none other than, recording artist and songwriter extraordinaire, Rich Mullins.
That was who Rich Mullins was. With humility, he was exercising servanthood for the nourishment of his own soul and spirit, but he was also making a quiet statement for the suits in the room. It was as if he were shouting, “THIS THE WAY OF CHRIST! LET US NOT FORGET!”
In 1979, the cultural music icon, Bob Dylan released the song, “Gotta Serve Somebody” off his “Slow Train Coming” project. It would receive airplay on many CCM radio stations at the time and through the following years. It’s been covered multiple times by artists from almost every genre. Here’s a sample:
“…You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls. But you’re gonna have to serve somebody. Yes indeed, you’re gonna have to serve somebody. Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” - Bob Dylan
When I see the madness of the mobs on Black Friday, many of which ignored Thanksgiving with family and friends to campout 24 hours prior the retailers Black Friday frenzy, my mind goes into shock concerning the change in our society. Injured people are carried away from the stores, victims of trampling or punching, kicking and shoving by fellow-shoppers. WHY? For a few dollars of savings., for a new item seen on an ad. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army volunteer with his/her bell and red collection kettle is run over as if invisible. Selflessness has been invaded by selfishness. Giving has been encroached upon by greediness. Servant-hood, out of love for others, has been replaced by self-hooded retail ravagers. And, I fear it will only get worse in years to come.
Let me challenge myself, and you, to rise above the fray. As you serve somebody during this Christmas season of giving, donate to that Salvation Army kettle when you see it. In fact, we invite you to read about, “A Hand Up” initiative on our website. It’s not a hand-out, but truly lifting up the homeless to opportunities to live a life of production, and planting their feet in a home or apartment, not a shelter. It’s a great way to serve somebody while you can still choose to do so. When you do, you might just hear yourself say, “How may I help you?”
There are two people in today’s world; Givers and takers. What would you like to be known for?
Merry Christmas,
Alan Scott
CCM Classic
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