WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (1)

'...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' MARK 10:43

Disneyland is referred to as 'the Magic Kingdom.' For those who work there, one value is emphasised above all others. It's what puts the 'magic' into that kingdom. What is it? Servanthood! Employees are told that when you walk through those gates, you serve. You treat every encounter with people as if they were your personal guest. If they need directions, you escort them. If they ask a question you've heard a hundred times, you answer it as if you'd never heard it before. There's a ride called the Jungle Cruise, and the most common question asked about it is, 'How long is this ride?' So the staff is given a prepared, standard answer: 'The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.' But one employee had been asked it once too often, so when a couple asked, 'How long is the Jungle Cruise?' he said, 'Three days.' The couple got out of the line, left the park, went back to Disney Hotel where they were on their honeymoon, packed up their suitcases, checked out, and came back to the line at the Jungle Cruise. The next day the Disneyland employee was gone, and someone else was standing at the line saying, 'The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.' When you represent God's kingdom you're supposed to go out of your way to facilitate people, love them and meet their needs. Why? Because Jesus, Who is the king in this kingdom, said, '...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...' (Matthew 20:28 NIV).