Servant-Leader in Labor Camp

A man from Asia shared this story with us:

In 2004, a Chinese pastor was arrested for carrying Bibles. After he was caught, he was sentenced to two years of re-education in a forced labor camp. Following his sentence, this man went through a horrible period of interrogation. The torture was so intense, he was praying that he could have the “luxury” of labor camp!

Eventually the interrogation ended and this man went to the camp. In Chinese labor camps, workers are in the fields 12 hours a day or more. Even though this man was an older gentleman, he worked diligently at his jobs. After a time, the pastor won the respect of the other prisoners and the guards because he worked without complaint. Even though his imprisonment wasn’t necessarily “fair”, he maintained a servant’s heart, using his time in the labor camp to share the love of Christ with others.

When I contrast the pastor’s attitude to my own, I am put to shame. I’m guessing many of you can relate. Earlier today, I was at a bistro grabbing lunch when a man spilled a glass all over his table. Everyone looked at the man sympathetically while he hurriedly tried to clean up after his mishap. Something encouraged me to go help the man, but then “reason” kicked in. I reasoned that it would look odd for me, a woman in business attire, to clean up a man’s mess. I reasoned that the bistro employees should be the ones to help him. I reasoned that it was not my responsibility to serve a stranger.

In truth, modern society does little to extol the virtues of “a servant’s spirit.” A waiter or waitress is considered lowly when contrasted with a powerful CEO. Stay-at-home moms are disregarded as “old-fashioned.” Even service in the armed forces, which was once a great honor, is now looked down on by many.

Still, such perceptions do not affect our call to service. From the Chinese pastor, we can learn several things. First, our call to serve may transcend our perceived physical limitations. Second, we must serve with joy, regardless of our external circumstances. Finally, others will notice a genuine servant’s heart, and they will be naturally inclined to want to return good for good.

There is no better way to exemplify Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life for us, than to serve. Don’t let your situation, whether it is prison or the opinions of your friends, moderate the love and time you give to others.