The True Servant

A friend of mine posted the following statement as his profile status and it brought me back to something the Lord was speaking to me about servant hood over a year ago. “Christians are made the same species as Jesus. He is the greatest in authority because He was the greatest servant” –Larry Marshall

Many people are quick to say that they are servants whether it be serving in a church, serving a minister or serving God but do we really know the true definition of a servant? Do we really know the true actions of a servant? This is something that we need to ask ourselves regularly because calling yourself something that is meant to be a humbling experience actually can cause the best of us to puffed up in pride. “Yes, I am a servant. I teach four Bible Studies in my church, lead worship and travel with my pastor.” Or, “Yes, I am a servant. I do whatever is asked of me.” Both examples are true and good but what is the heart motive behind the statement? Is it true humility and being a servant only for the Glory of God or being a servant so that you can be seen and better yet, promoted?

As I said before, Jesus is our ultimate example of a servant. Philippians 2:7 says, "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Jesus came from Heaven being the Son of God and took on the form of man, became a servant and ultimately gave His life suffering pain and humiliation for our sakes."

Thayer’s dictionary defines the word servant in Philippians 2:7 as:
Doulos:
1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition
1a) a slave
1b) metaphorically, one who gives himself up to another’s will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men
1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests
2) a servant, attendant

How many of us are willing to be “devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interest”? It is a question that shouldn’t be answered in haste because it is one thing to say, “Yes, I will serve.” But it is a whole other thing to actually follow through with the action, keep the right heart and remain faithful. Jesus said yes to coming to the earth and taking the form of man but even He sweat blood when it came down to the true test of His heart and faithfulness (Luke 22:41-44). The important thing is that He obeyed, knowing what was about to happen to Him, died for us and God was faithful to raise Him from the dead.

God requires much from us but it is nothing compared to what He required of Jesus! Let us always take that into consideration when God or our leaders ask us to do something that seems “hard” or “not fun” or “humbling” In Ephesians 5:1 we are told to be imitators of God, so with the best of our ability (God will make up for the rest) let us strive to be true servants that do things with a pure heart so that at the end of our days it will be said of us, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Pastor Katie Ruiz

Comments

[Wendy]

that was really good katie.. definetly humbling

[Bobbi Veach]

Good Word Katie! I think everyone should read and reread this one.