The Servant Lifestyle – A Life of Bare Necessities

Mark 1:6
“And John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.”

Why would God draw our attention to the attire and diet of John the Baptist in this passage of Scripture? For a society like ours that puts a huge emphasis on fashion and food, maybe, just maybe, God was trying to make a point here. Everything about this prophet seems to depict extremism. His home – the wilderness of Judea, his bed – the hard ground, his blanket – the stars, his food – locusts and wild honey, his clothing – camel’s hair (sounds itchy to me). No luxuries or modern comforts for this man of God, just the bare necessities.

A Divine Revelation

Recently while driving home, I saw a man traveling on foot alongside the road. He appeared to be dressed in deerskin pants and jacket and behind him, he pulled two mules carrying food and his belongings. For a moment, I almost envied him. He had no bills, no car payments, no house to clean, no job, no distractions, few worries, just him, his mules, and the great outdoors. What a life! It’s not every day we come across someone with such a simple and uncomplicated life such as this man had.

This same simple and uncomplicated life that John the Baptist lived allowed him the opportunity to be wholly dependent on and wholly devoted to his God. John the Baptist had nothing to distract him from his mission, which was to prepare the way of the Lord. He had no other responsibilities except to preach repentance and baptize those willing to repent. For his faithfulness he was given the greatest honor of all; to baptize God’s beloved Son. WOW!

Was the sacrifice of all the modern comforts of the time worth it? I imagine for John the Baptist; it was more than worth it. He got to see God’s only Son standing before him bathed in the waters of the Jordan with the heavens rolled back and God’s brilliance shining upon Him. He got to hear the voice of God speak the words, “Thou art my beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased,” as the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove. Even though John the Baptist was given such an awesome privilege. He was keenly aware of his own unworthiness. As he is baptizing Jesus he humbly replies, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and You are coming to me?” John lived the life of a true servant of God. Do we?

Is serving others a part of our daily activity or are we focused on more self-oriented activities? Are we stressed out by all the things that rob us of our time, finances, and freedom? Do the cares of this world overwhelm us, so we avoid those in need or ignore them altogether? Does our need to stay in control keep us from surrendering our hands and our feet to do what only God can do through us?

A Divine Challenge

The servanthood lifestyle will not be comfortable (itchy camel hair) nor will it indulge the flesh (wilderness living – eating locust and honey) but it will accomplish “more than we could ask or think by the power that is at work in us.” Are you willing to embrace the lifestyle of servanthood? Are you willing to simplify your life to prepare the way for the Savior’s return?

Call to Action

We are at a crossroads in our country, and we may be asked to sacrifice a great many things for His work to be accomplished. I hope and pray that you and I are ready! The wilderness lifestyle is not an easy one, but I imagine hearing God say to us, “Well done good and faithful servant” here on earth, and then enjoying an eternity with Him in heaven, will be well worth it! Father, help us understand that any earthly sacrifice we make does not compare to the abundant life You give us in the here and now, and the hope of an eternity with You forever. Help us to be willing to give up the comforts of this world, if You require that of us, without reservation, to serve You in whatever manner You call us to as Your Son did. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen!