Serving is a spiritual gift that is given to those whom God has chosen. “We have different gift, according to the grace given us…if it is serving, let him serve…”
Romans 12:6-7 A server has the ability to see the needs of others and to act promptly to fulfilling them.
Jesus was the perfect model for serving. He was a servant first before he became the Savior. Greatness in the kingdom is not achieved by who is first, but rather, by being a willing servant of one another. Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 10:43-45,“...Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Richard Foster wrote, "When we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge." The essence of life is not about being in charge or the leader or the top dog. The essence of life is about modeling the servant life so that the needs of others are met and the attention and glory is given to God!
A server serves with humility. A worldview of service is: Since I helped you, you help me. I scratched your back, now you scratch mine. Jesus modeled a service lifestyle much differently than even his disciples had known. Jesus regarded service as a primary way of demonstrating love for those whom He served and a way to put importance of one person over another in perspective. Jesus told his disciples to follow His example of showing true servant-hood by washing each others feet in
John 13:12-16, "After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow.”
The point Jesus was making wasn’t that we need to wash each others feet to be true servers, but rather, a true server will use his/her gifts and abilities to demonstrate the value of putting the needs of others over oneself for the betterment of the kingdom and society. Peter said, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10
Paul sums it up by saying, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:3-4,7
Remember, Be God Controlled!
Brian
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