We live in a world that is incredibly self-centered, and because of this, it is hard to go through life today and NOT feel as though you are a victim. We have podcasts, YouTube videos, books, TV, movies, schools, and even some churches that like to constantly inform us of our victimhood, and urge us to put ourselves first.
We learn about classicism, racism, and the never-ending tiers of victim status that yearn to dictate every facet of our daily lives, and the never-ending streams of microaggressions that, while most of the time non-existent, make us into cynical, angry people mad at the world that is, at most, neutral to anything we say or do.
As Christians, we should never put ourselves on a pedestal above everyone else, or look at ourselves as victims. Both of these tendencies are self focused severely lacking in true understanding of who we are in Christ. On the contrary, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV) says, But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Scripture teaches us that we are victors, triumphant, and children of G_D Almighty. We are steadfast and immovable because our foundation is in him, and we are called to live in the image of our Creator, loving and serving each other and the people of this world in order to point them back to Christ. That is our “labor”! We were not called to wallow in our victimhood, and complain that the world is not serving us. Instead, we are to voluntarily serve freely in truth and love.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
In John 13 (the last supper, and the washing of the disciples feet) Jesus explains that the act of washing the disciples feet was to set an example stating,
“[16] Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” Here Jesus teaches us how to serve one another in one of the lowest forms of servanthood, not in a way that shows glory to us, but in a way that points to the Father.
If Christ did not come to be served but to serve, and a servant is not greater than their master, then why do we expect the world to serve us, yet refuse to serve others?
This is not the only place in Scripture where an example of service was given. Christ showed us how to serve others time and time again; even to the point of death. This was an example that was followed by many of the church leaders in the days of the early church, and still through many parts of the world.
There are some that would point to Jesus’ death on the cross and say that he was a “victim of circumstance”, or just ticked off the wrong people, but if we look closely, Scripture says something very different.
He knew that triumphantly riding into Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday, turning over tables in the temple, and speaking to the religious leaders in the manner that he did could only end in one way. He knew the plan. He made the choice. He chose to serve freely. He was not a victim. He was a volunteer.
If you would like to shop the merch that goes along with this blog, see it here: https://breathandpurpose.com/collections/not-a-victim