A Servant’s Heart

JESUS SPEAKING

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. However, it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever desires to be first shall be slave of all. 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: 42 – 45)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

As children we are taught that dominance is better than submission, and that a higher social status leads to a better life. Many therefore seek to obtain positions of great power and authority. Yet Christ’s teachings are often in direct opposition to such worldly principles. Those who follow Jesus must deny what they have been taught, in order to embrace the doctrines of genuine faith and divine humility. Only by abandoning the desire for greatness, can one completely and lovingly serve others. [Note: Those who are the greatest servants are often elevated into positions of great power and authority; in the church, in the home, or at work.]

For years young men from across the country once flocked to the church where I was saved, seeking to begin a career in pastoral ministry. Many new hopefuls were initially referred to a pastor named Romain, who skillfully employed a special technique designed to separate the qualified from the unqualified. As the prospects approached, he would hand them a broom and tell them to go sweep a portion of the church. Although many were obedient, others felt insulted and became upset. One common response sounded something like this, “I came here to be a pastor and to teach the bible, not to sweep floors.” If such a retort was given, Pastor Romain knew that they did not have a servant’s heart; but instead they were seeking to acquire power and status.

Those who follow the Son of God must give-up the desire for worldly greatness in order to pursue lowliness and humility. Seeking to serve others rather than to be served, we become the men and women God has called us to be. We can serve at home, in the community, at work, and in our church. We can serve our family members, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers. Only through selflessness and sacrifice can we be transformed into the image of our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, inspire us to seek lowliness and humility. May we hunger to love and serve others in sincerity and singleness of heart. Provide us with opportunities to place the needs of our fellows ahead of our own, that we might be examples of Your great mercy and everlasting affection. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Greatest

Featured ~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If 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 should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 3: 12 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the first century, sandals were the most common type of footwear worn in Israel. Over the course of a day, dirt and grime would build up around the feet; thus necessitating the practice of foot washing before entering a home. This filthy task was usually relegated to the lowest ranking servants in a household. When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He gave us all an example of how lowliness and humility equates to greatness in God’s kingdom.

Throughout history, countless missionaries have gone into the dirtiest, most impoverished places to selflessly serve others in obedience to God’s will. As the story goes, one prominent missionary once wrote, “In encouraging young men to come out as missionaries, do use the greatest caution. One wrong-minded, obstinate man would ruin us. Humble…persevering men of sound, sterling character, with good accomplishment and some natural aptitude to acquire a language; men of amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest place; men who live close to God, and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ sake without being proud of it—these are the kind of men we need.”

Like many missionaries, and like the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Christians among us will be those who are the greatest servants. If we desire to follow Christ we too must embrace a life of selflessness and humility; denying our own flesh so that others may see the works of God and experience His love. May we all commit to this undertaking.

“Lord Heavenly Father, provide us with opportunities throughout the day to serve others with great affection. May we seek to be the greatest servants; offering our lives as a sacrifice for the furtherance of Your gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and may we walk with You always. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Serving Others

August 13, 2024 ~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

Just before the Passover feast, on the night that Jesus was arrested, he knelt down and washed His disciples feet. We read, ‘So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.'” —Jesus— (John 13: 12 – 17)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

During the first century, nearly everyone wore sandals. The roads and pathways were comprised of small stones and dirt; making daily foot washing an indispensable necessity. Servants and low ranking members a house were usually called upon to accomplish this filthy task. And yet Jesus, being the Son of God, lowered Himself down and washed His disciples feet; creating an example for all those who may desire to follow Him. Being a Christian means embracing a life of humility and selflessness. Rather than seeking to be served, we must strive to serve others.

There once lived an influential evangelical preacher named Gypsy Smith. One day he recounted the story of a woman who was interested in Christian work in London. She wrote him a letter stating, “I have a meeting I want you to come to speak to. It is only a small meeting and will take nothing of you.” He answered, “I cannot come, and it would be of no use if I did come. If it takes nothing out of me it will do nobody any good.” It is service which costs, and a cheap religion is not worth preaching.

Serving others represents the foundation of Christ’s earthly ministry. To follow Jesus is to embrace a life of selflessness and service. If we let go of our own wants and desires, we can more resoundingly accomplish God’s will in this place. Jesus said in verse 17, “if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” The word ‘blessed’ generally refers to the happiness that accompanies God’s favor. And so He promises that a service oriented life will bring us more joy than a self-centered existence ever could. By serving others we can know God’s blessings.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we pray for the strength and desire to live a life of service; to sacrifice for Your kingdom and Your glory. May we lay down our selfish concerns to better represent Jesus Christ; that we too might be an example of Your love in this place. May we care for our fellows, may we serve others, and may we receive the blessings that accompany genuine Christian living. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!