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At one point in my husband Terry's teaching career, he thought about getting his master's degree. He had been offered the position of administrative assistant at the K-12 school in which he taught. He agreed, with the stipulation that he would not have to take over once the current principal moved away. Perhaps Terry thought having a master's degree would be necessary for his job. One perk was definitely an increase in pay. Terry did apply for the master's program, but was denied because his university marks were not high enough. That was a definitely a closed door in his teaching career. After a couple of years as administrative assistant, he was glad to go back to full-time classroom teaching.
In closing this door for Terry, God opened a door to what he really needed, not what what he thought he wanted. God led him to his true gifting, that of a “server”. In the book, Discover Your God-given Gifts by Don and Katie Fortune, “server” is the name given to the “helps” ministry of the King James Version of the Bible. The old-fashioned name is accurate in one way; there is nothing Terry likes better than to be able to help someone. Instead of the short term benefit of higher pay, Terry has had a lifetime of developing into the role in which he functions best.
“If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.” (Romans 12:7 NLT)
Terry and I complement each other well. Once I understood his gifting of “server” I understood what makes him tick, and why he relates to others the way he does. After we retired as teachers, Terry's server inclination really came into its own.
A server is quick to meet practical needs, and is good at discerning them. When we were at the YWAM base near Tijuana last winter, Terry was in his element. A basic outline of chores to do on a daily basis was quickly accomplished. Then Terry went above and beyond the list, and spotted other needs on campus that he could tackle. He ended up doing more than was asked, to make the campus run more efficiently.
A server enjoys manual projects more than thinking projects. Terry enjoys taking apart wheelchairs to clean at the Lending Cupboard where he volunteers. He also enjoys the challenge of recycling surplus mobility equipment, keeping it out of the landfill, and re-directing it to another warehouse for shipment oversees to ministries that serve the needy.
Because I, as a “teacher” love words so much, I sometimes long to hear words of affirmation from my husband. But a server shows love in deeds and actions instead. I think of the time when a messy room full of fabrics and sewing and craft supplies began to really bother my orderly server husband. Finally, he quietly set about building me a tall shelf to hold all the things that cluttered the room. I made sure I lavishly praised him, because servers love to be appreciated for what they do.
“'Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave .For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many'.” (Matthew 20:26b-28 NLT)
In highlighting the type of person who loves to serve, it's important to note that we are all encouraged to serve. We can't sit back and think, It's not my gift, I'll let someone else do the work. We all need to follow Jesus' example and serve each other.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You have blessed each one of us with at least one spiritual gift. Help us to use our gifts for Your glory. Help us also to remember to meet needs even when they don't match our gift. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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