Why Does Quest Focus on Service?
by Matthew Kliever
Hollywood loves filling movies with theology. They can’t seem to help it, and people can’t seem to get enough of it.
My wife and I recently re-watched the first Avengers movie (that was originally released the weekend of our wedding, which I’ll admit may add to how much I like it), and I was struck again by the deep insights that are woven into all the action and humor.
In particular, there’s a powerful scene where the villain Loki forces a crowd to kneel in front of him. Then, as Hollywood villains love to do, he monologues: “Is this not your natural state? It’s the unspoken truth of humanity: that you crave subjugation. The bright lure of freedom diminishes your life’s joy in a mad scramble for power, for identity. You were made to be ruled.”
I don’t know how those lines sit with you, but for me there is what I will call a disturbing resonance. Disturbing – because I don’t like it. Resonance – because deep down I know that I live it out every day.
I look for causes to support, people to please, injustices to reconcile…things outside of me that will give my life meaning. Because I know that if all I pursue are my own interests, I come up empty and hungry every time.
I was made for something more than just me.
Now, there are definitely problems with Loki’s speech. His understanding of freedom is pretty twisted. His solution is just as bad: “Everyone should serve me.”
Unfortunately, my “disturbing resonance” is even stronger here. How often do my actions show that I treat my parents, my wife, my employer, my kids, and my friends as if they are all the supporting cast in a movie that’s all about me?
How often do you do the same thing?
Thankfully, God is calling us into a more complete (and more compelling) story. I imagine our invitations to sound a little more like this:
“Congratulations! It’s not all about you! I’m producing an amazing story, and I designed you for a special role: my servant.
You get to contribute to the greatest cause ever: my kingdom, where everything will be made new and right (Rev. 21:5).
I want to give you a lot of responsibility and reward you handsomely when you handle it well (Mt. 25:23). I have given you special gifts and talents and abilities so that you can go in my name and meet the needs in front of you in ways that no one else can (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:12).
Don’t worry, because in this kingdom servanthood is a sign of greatness (Mk. 10:43). You don’t have to fear being abused or taken advantage of as a servant, because as your King, I am so invested in your flourishing that I died for you (Mk. 10:45) and am working everything for your good (Rom 8:28).