“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (I Peter 4:10, ESV)
Have you ever known someone with a true servant’s heart? They seem to always be busy helping others and delight in doing it. None of it is to receive praise or public acknowledgement for what they do. They just do what needs to be done and quietly make a difference. Ephesians 6:7 describes it this way:
“Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” (ESV)
Everything we do for others should be done “as to the Lord.” No pats on the back or glowing words of praise are needed.
You may wonder if there is a difference between a servant and a slave? While we often use the words interchangeably, they really are not the same. “A servant is free to work for the chosen master, whereas a slave is forced to work against his will” (differencebetween.com). One is voluntary, a personal choice, and one is not.
JESUS MODELS SERVANTHOOD
On the Lord’s last night with His disciples before His arrest, He demonstrated what humble servanthood looks like in action. After they had finished the meal, Jesus took a towel and a basin of water. Then He knelt before each man and began to wash his feet—including the feet of the one who would soon betray Him. As He finished, He explained the meaning behind His action.
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (John 13:12-15, ESV).
That same evening the disciples had argued among themselves as to who should be considered the greatest (Luke 22:24). Even after walking with the Lord for so long, they failed to realize that His kingdom would never be about pomp and power. Instead, it would be established on servanthood. “Not to be served but to serve.” Jesus lived it before them and explained it to them, but they just did not grasp what He meant. There are those today who still do not understand what servanthood means in everyday life.
Philippians 2:3-5 tells us:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)
BLESSING OTHERS
I recently heard a statement that I found thought-provoking.
“You can serve without having a servant’s heart, but you cannot have a servant’s heart without serving.”
Our church has a special ministry that serves our elderly or others with a need. It can be something as small as fixing a dripping faucet, unstopping a clogged drain, or pulling weeds in an overgrown yard. Earth-shaking? Not really. But these simple acts of service say, “We love you and we want to help you.” It is a true blessing to the recipient.
The loving concern of those who volunteer for this ministry reminds me of the words of Colossians 3:12.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (ESV)
It’s easy for us to say, “I want to be more like the Lord.” If we sincerely mean it, then it’s time to look around to see who we can serve. That’s what the Lord would do.
“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11, ESV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
- What am I willing to sacrifice so that I can to serve others?
- How can I be most helpful to others?
- How can I recognize opportunities to serve others?
- Who can I serve today?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
