May 5, 2012

Servanthood

The term "Servant" in the New Testament usually is referring to a bond slave.   The freedom and liberty of a bond slave was subject to the authority of their Master. They were not at their own disposal but they were the Master's purchased property.   They were bought to serve the need's of their Master and be at their every beck and call.  True Christian service means that we first and foremost must come to the realization that we are not our own. 
" You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."  1 Cor 6:19  
We must give up our own will that the will of our Heaven Father be performed in and through us.   The life of Jesus Christ was characterized by his quality of unselfish servanthood.   He said " the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. " Mark 10:45  He also said " O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matt 26:39   
As we strive toward spiritual maturity we must not neglect this quality of servanthood because it is so important.  We should not be so focused on our own interests that we have no time to devote to the interests and concerns of others.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:4    
If we want to be in Leadership then we must be willing to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ even when our flesh rises up and really doesn't want to do it.   This is why Jesus said " Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matt 26:41    So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Phil 2:1-3  Have this mind among yourselves, which you have in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death on a cross.  Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory God the Father.  Phil 2:5-11  


If we are to grow and mature in a Christ-Like manner then it will require us to give of our time and our abilities and ourselves to our fellow Brothers and Sisters in the Lord.  
Our loyalty to our Master should be expressed in our service to ministering to the Saints.  Jesus is coming soon my friend and He will separate the sheep from the goats.  Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.  Then the righteous will answer him, Lord when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee?  And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?  And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. Then He will say to those at his left hand, Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels;  Matt 25: 31- 46
Each day we live we have a choice to either live to serve ourselves which actually nullifies our capacity to live as a disciple of Christ or we can seek to live as servants out of our faith relationship with God and be a blessing to everyone that comes across our paths.  He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:11-12   
You cannot be great in God's kingdom if you refuse to humble yourself before the Lord and become as a servant to God's people.  Your "Greatness" is never to be based in your own power and abilities and position of honor and your title and prestige.  If you attempt to build your ministry on your own "Greatness" my friend you will be humbled by the Lord.  I can list many examples of men and women who had built what looked like mighty and prosperous ministries on their own "Greatness and Power and Prestige and Abilities"  but because they did not give God the Glory they were humbled and brought down.  Jesus solved the dispute of who would be the greatest. " And He said to them, The Kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves?  Is it not the one who sits at the table?  But I am among you as one who serves. "  Luke 22:24-27