In the gospels, our Lord Jesus Christ consistently taught about servanthood. He taught that greatness in God’s Kingdom is not about power, wealth, or status accumulation! It is simply about serving others.
Jesus is our ultimate example of a servant. In John 13:1-17 he performed a task that is held in reserve for the lowest servants; washing of the disciples’ feet. A heart of humility will go the extra mile to attend to the needs of others. Jesus came to serve and not to be served, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). This is how he conducted himself, his mission on the Cross as a ransom for our sins reveals the true nature of servanthood.
As Christians, we are called to live lives of sacrificial love, which exhibits true love and extends kindness and service to others. Jesus did not miss his words in Mark 9:35, “anyone who wants to be first must be last, and the servant of all.” We should therefore serve with humility and love. It is not an obligation but one done out of genuine love and compassion for others. “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13).
Servanthood from a Christian perspective
Servanthood from a Christian perspective is very important in building our unity and fellowship as a community of believers. Every believer should use whatever gift and unique abilities to serve others by the grace of God. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10).
In conclusion, let your motivation be the desire to worship God with your service and not for your personal gain (Matthew 25:31-46). I encourage you to ask God to open your eyes to those around you and show your love, kindness, and assistance to them. Take a moment each day and think about ways to make a difference even with the smallest act. Stay alert for opportunities to let God’s love flow through you to others. What a great joy it is to put a smile on someone’s face as a result of your act of love and kindness!
Exhortation by Deacon Jacob Malova
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