Grab your towel. Follow the way of the Cross. It’s
time to live the life of a true servant—appropriate smallness that packs a
powerful punch.
June’s Awakening, Day
10
In your relationships with one another, have the
same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider
equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made
himself nothing by taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that 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 acknowledge that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5–11 NIV
The
practice of the spiritual discipline of servanthood, or better still, the
lifestyle of servanthood, is one of “appropriate smallness.” Here are ten key
points that characterize a life of true servanthood following in the example
that Christ has set before us.
Hiddenness—is the truest measure of humility,
serving concealed, without expectation of reward or acknowledgement, and not
being troubled when slighted or undervalued. This is a state of mind that does
wonders to combat the flesh and subdue pride, for you look not to the world but
solely to God for your strength and recognition. See Matthew 6:1–4.
Ministry
of the mundane—is the simple assistance in small, trifling, external matters
and seemingly insignificant tasks. Large tasks may require great effort for a
moment, but small things often require a continual sacrifice. Be faithful in
the few and small things and God will surely enlarge your realm of influence to
the many and most important things. See Matthew 25:21.
Ministry
of holding your tongue—is knowing when nothing said is better than divulging
all your knowledge, and by guarding the reputation of others and refusing to
gossip. Speak no evil—the tongue is a most powerful and dangerous weapon and
true honorable and noble character is displayed when the tongue is held in
check. See James 3:5–10.
Ministry
of being interrupted—allowing yourself to be available and interrupted, even at
inopportune times, is a hallmark of the true willingness to be a servant. On
numerous occasions in the Gospels, Jesus was stopped to heal, teach, address
issues and such, and was always willing to meet the need at that time.
Acts
of courtesy—simple words and acts of common courtesy and compassion displays
the acknowledgement of others and affirms their worth. Putting others first in
these simple things goes a long way in keeping both your humility and their
self-esteem vibrant.
Hospitality—opening
up our home and being the best host looking after the needs and providing joy
for others can bring a deep satisfaction and joy back to us. A true servant
reaps great joy by serving and seeing others blessed by it. Mary and Martha
were frequent hosts of Jesus and His disciples.
Bearing—empathizing
with and bearing the pain and suffering of others shows the true love of
Christ. Sometimes weeping with someone is better than words. We are also called
to bear with and be patient and merciful toward those who are downcast. See
Galatians 6:2 and 2 Corinthians 1:3–7.
Listening—this
can be one of the most effective and powerful acts of service that one can
perform. Listening with compassion and patience allows the hearer to quiet and
discipline the mind in attentiveness, while allowing the speaker to vocalize
and release pent-up anguish and pain. Being an attentive listener to others
helps us become more attentive listeners toward God.
Being
served—surprisingly, perhaps, part of being a good servant is allowing yourself
to be served, and graciously yielding self and submitting to the service of
others in mutual honor and respect, without feeling the need to repay it. Peter
did not want Jesus to wash his feet, but the Lord’s reply was, “Unless I wash
you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8).
Sharing
the word of life—no one person can ever hear and know everything that God has
for us and wants to say to us. We are dependent upon each other to hear and
know the full counsel of God, and God may use one considered the least of us to
make a most profound observation or statement to one considered the greatest of
us. God even spoke through Balaam’s donkey (Numbers 22:21–35).
We
leave our discussion of servanthood with a quote for you to digest and ponder:
A
Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.
A
Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.
—Martin
Luther
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