Saturday, June 10, 2017

A Life of True Servanthood


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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