Buried in the mire of mediocrity is a lost treasure called servanthood. The connotation of servant is shaded with some distorted perspective of lowliness when indeed it’s the loveliest position of all. We live in a day when we are persuaded by everyone, from the ACLU to the daily talk shows, to stand for our rights and be self-respecting. In so doing, little attention is given to those who kneel in respect for another, and who bow their heads in humility for a cause called service.
In my experience the character of those who say, “I will go” and become true disciples don’t mind taking the servant’s entrance to life. Jesus, and His life, defy description as He was and is the pure essence of servanthood. Because of His example, it is easy to surrender any pursuit but His. When the Son of God became the son of man, all of our excuses were vanquished. When prior to His crucifixion, He washed the feet of the one who would betray Him, our excuse that “it’s not up to me or my job” was washed away as well.
When I saw a young pastor, my husband, some 28 years ago do the menial tasks that others would deem “beneath them,” I realized I could “follow him as he followed the Lord.” My fondest memories have been as a minister of helps. I realized a call and found a purpose. Few noticed me or were aware of the hours devoted, but I had a Master who left Heaven to die for me like a common criminal, even without a tomb, the least I could do is honor Him with my time.
The moments that have impacted me as “Mrs. Rod Parsley” have not been the great Campmeetings or crusades or even listening to classic sermons. The moments that have the imprint of forever are those when I saw my husband serve his mentor and pastor, Dr. Lester Sumrall. I remember watching as he knelt to remove Dr. Sumrall’s shoes and socks and wrap his feet in a blanket. The times are too many to count when he carried his plate of food to him, wrapped his scarf around his neck, warmed his car in the winter, carried his briefcase, his suitcases and escorted him from place to place. Nothing was too big or too small for this young heart bowed in service and motivated by love for the life of one who held the truth he sought after.
When people look at my husband, they see many and varied things - a Pastor, a dynamic speaker, a voice to the sinner and the saint, but to me, he has been a disciple robed in the finest of simplicities called servanthood. Others may see a star, but I just see a candle lighting a path for all of us, as followers, to walk together. As we walk, may it be not with some in front and some behind, but all on equal footing, side by side, just busy being about our Father’s vision and serving the One who serves us.
