Much of the world was brought together last year through the death of Queen Elizabeth II. After a 70-year reign, the longest in British history, many mourned her passing and remembering her significant accomplishments. How did she stay at the task for that long? How did she remain faithful for all those years? To understand her character (and to understand how to serve small groups ), you don’t have to look any further than the speech she gave on her 21st birthday in Cape Town, South Africa.
To accomplish that we must give nothing less than the whole of ourselves. There is a motto which has been borne by many of my ancestors – a noble motto, “I serve“.
“I serve” is a short but powerful statement of her life’s goal and purpose. Whenever she wondered what to do, that simple phrase guided her. It was her dedication to the idea that her life wasn’t a life of privilege, but one of service.
When Charles, her eldest son became the Prince of Wales in 1969, he was given a ring with the symbol of his new title and position. And now that William has become the Prince of Wales, that ring and symbol are passed on to him.
That symbol is called the Prince of Wales’s Feathers. It consists of three white ostrich feathers coming out from a gold crown with a blue ribbon. On that ribbon is the motto that is to represent the entire life of the Prince of Wales. It says “Ich dien” which means “I serve.”
Yes, the Prince does enjoy the benefits and resources that come with the title. There is also a certain amount of respect that goes along with the title. But all of this is to be used in service to his people and his country.
And that service isn’t just some theory out there, somewhere. Service isn’t something just to be talked about. Or written about. But true service, real service is always, always, always practical. It accomplishes something real and tangible.
While we may not hold any earthy royal titles, we have been given a heavenly title. An eternal, imperial position.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
In Christ, we’ve been chosen and appointed as a royal priesthood. This royalty isn’t to just sit around on a throne while people come up and bow in front of us. No, this royal priesthood has been given for action. It is an office and place to serve and speak for God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the church, his people. And why? Because we were in darkness, but through Jesus, we’ve been transported into God’s wonderful light.
And I can’t think of a more strategic place to speak and serve God’s wonderful light than to serve small groups.
