“Cui servire est regnare” is the motto of Groton School, the private boarding school where I attended high school. It is Latin and loosely translates either “to serve is to rule” or “for whom service is perfect freedom”.

Jesus said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Why did He give that instruction? Because of Roman law, a boy could at any moment be called to carry a soldier’s gear the distance of a mile as the requirement of the law. As soon as the boy took one step on the second mile (if he chose to), he was beyond the law and demonstrating grace. The second mile was a gift to the soldier. Our Master, Jesus Christ, calls us to live the Christian life always in the “second mile.” Of course, this presumes that the first mile must, of necessity, be the routine. As Christians, we live under grace, and not under the law. However, the Lord said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Under the law, we have a legal requirement to obey. But under grace, we have a love response that results in obedience. Our love for Christ that compels us to please Him, out of gratitude for His dying to pay the penalty of our sins, produces good works, especially ministry to other believers. The amazing illustration of ruling through serving is found in the example of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself during the last meal with His disciples before the crucifixion. He (the Master) washed the feet of the disciples (the servants). And He spoke the incredible words: “”If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15) When you are approached and asked to serve in the ministry of the church, will you be ready with a basin of water and cloth to wash whichever “feet” are in need, wherever they may be?

Sin cera, O’Garthe

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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