Yesterday at church we sang an old chorus I had almost forgotten about. Before we started the song our Pastor spoke a few words. He reminded us that this chorus was actually a prayer, and if we were bold enough to pray this prayer mighty things would happen. Of course this was my translation of what he said as I cannot remember his exact words.
The song began, “Make me like You Lord, please make me like You.” The initial words made me smile. Ah, yes, I remember this one.
Immediately I was, in my mind, transported back to 1977, sitting on the floor of the Navy hospital chapel in Yokosuka, Japan. “You are a servant, make me one too.” A new Christian. Everything fresh, exciting, different for me.
There was a desire in my heart to be the best I could be for Christ. But, I didn’t know where to actually start. This chorus was reigniting more than just the memory. I was remembering what I believed at the time of how to be a servant. At that time, a servant was someone employed in a household. Servants worked. I could wash dishes and cook and clean. So, I began to cook for anyone who would appear on our doorsteps. I did lots of dishes. Made lots of food, and desserts. I tried to be a ‘servant’.
“Oh, Lord, I am willing, do what You must do.” But, am I as willing as I was in my early twenties? Is my heart as tender and open as it was then? It’s a short chorus, but, so much was happening inside me. That’s the glory of what God can do in us.
“To make me like You, Lord, please make me like You.” Yes, age has worn me down. I don’t have as much joy in cooking or cleaning anymore. And, I inwardly grumble when the sink calls my name and I stand washing and rinsing, but I do it still. My energy levels are not high like they were in my twenties. I cannot spend all day and half the night in fellowship and still move easily the next day. But, inside myself, that prayer is still vibrant and earnest, Lord, please make me like You.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ” Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
The Refreshing of a Wild Rose 