Servanthood

A servant is a person who works for another for payment. When we serve, we do the work of a servant. We work for other people. Our payment comes from God.

Jesus was a servant. He came to earth to serve. Jesus gave His own life to serve all of mankind.

I am expected to do the same.

Jesus tells me, “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (Matthew 10:24)

I am not better than or greater than Jesus. I follow Jesus. He is my teacher and my Lord. I can not expect to be greater or better than He is. He was treated poorly. I will be treated poorly.

Servanthood requires obedience to whatever God asks. A servant of Jesus must be willing to look foolish for Jesus if that's what's required.

The Foundation of Leadership is Serving

Zebedee had two sons, James and John. They were disciples of Jesus Christ. Their mother was an original “helicopter” parent. She went to Jesus and asked if her sons could sit at the right and left hand of Jesus. She was pleading their cause. She wanted what she thought was best for her kids, and she wasn't afraid to ask for it.

The other disciples were pissed when they found out.

It was a teachable moment. Jesus took advantage of it.

He sat them down and told them, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave -- “ (Matthew 20:25,26)

A Biblical leader must serve those they lead.

Biblical leadership does not seek position or authority. It does not seek to be recognized or to be followed. It seeks instead to help. To take the responsibility. To make hard decisions and do hard things.

The things others don't, can't or won't do.

The Foundation of Evangelism is Serving

In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul said, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” Paul realized that he was going to have to meet people where they were at if he wanted to win them to Jesus Christ

Paul served people as an avenue to win them to Jesus Christ. I need to do the same.

My impact on others will be limited by my ability to serve them.

Whether I am leading them closer to Jesus as disciples, or trying to get them to enter the kingdom of God from the kingdom of darkness, my impact will be limited by my ability to serve them.

Serving Should Be Thankless

Too often Christians serve to be recognized or noticed for what they do. Their heart is in the right place. They want to help. But serving is the reward in itself. I don't need thanks or appreciation from people. I want to show my love for God. I want to obey Him. Obedience requires service.

Luke 17:9,10 “Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'”

I don't serve to be thanked. I serve because it is what God requires of me.

Seek to Serve One Master

I have planned, organized, led and evaluated a lot of activities over the years. Bible study discussions, large group meetings, weekend conferences, week long conferences, and even some summer long events. Group sizes range from 3 or 4 to several hundred. One thing I have learned over the decades is I can't make everyone happy. Sometimes it seems I can't make anyone happy.

During those times, God reminds me, “How can you believe if you accept praise from one another yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44)

The most important thing I can do when serving others is make sure that I am doing what God wants me to do. The bigger the opportunity, the more time I invest praying before I make any plans. I need to be confident that I am doing what God wants.

Then I will be able to handle the criticism others have regarding my efforts.

Don't Using Serving as a Distraction

Jesus went to visit His friends Mary and Martha. Martha was the hostess with the “mostest.” She was preparing the meal. Setting up the house for Jesus. Her sister, Mary, was sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to Him.

Martha went to Jesus and asked Him to tell Mary to help prepare the meal and serve the guests. Jesus informed Martha that Mary had chosen something better than serving. She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus. (Luke 10:38-42)

Sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him is better than serving. Serving is better than a lot of things I can do. But spending time with Jesus is better than serving.

Practical discipleship tips on spending time with Jesus

What You Can Do

1. Pray that God will make you a servant to others. Select a passage about serving and claim it as your own. Pray it into your life.

2. Ask God to show you everyday opportunities to serve people. Once you ask, you will be surprised at how many opportunities God shows you.

3. Try to serve without being recognized. Wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, vacuum the sanctuary, mow the neighbor's yard. You can serve people emotionally as well. Send an anonymous note of encouragement to a friend who is discouraged. Anonymously donate money to a worthy cause.

4. Team up with a friend and serve together. Mutual encouragement goes a long way to help me do things that difficult for me. (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10)

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