A Servant's Heart

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers of the modern age said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Deep thinker, poet and woman of insight, Helen Keller said, “Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.” Christian leader Mother Teresa said, “Good works are links that form a chain of love.”

One of the greatest opportunities we have in this life is the opportunity to serve. Possessing the heart of a servant doesn’t only benefit others. Possessing the heart of a servant will also benefit you, and most importantly, it gives glory to God. In Acts 20:35 Jesus was quoted as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There is something special that happens when we serve. We are blessed, when we choose to bless.

As Christian’s, it is our duty to live our lives as servants. Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” The call on one person’s life will vary from the call on another person’s life, however, the One doing the calling is the same. In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul says, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” We need to obey and follow God by serving others in love.

When we think of service, we should first keep in mind that we are not only serving others. We are serving Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 6:7 Paul reminds us, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” I have found that ministry is not only beautiful, fulfilling and exciting, but it can also be emotionally, mentally and physically strenuous. I have to admit that sometimes I feel tired, and my attitude towards serving can be less than enthusiastic. It is during these moments that God has reminded me that I am not only serving others, I am serving Him! It is an honor and a privilege to serve, and we should never forget that.

We have to remember that we have been given an important assignment and opportunity to serve the Lord and others, and it’s very important that we have a good attitude about it. If our heart is not in our service, then we might as well not do it, because the condition of our heart is what truly matters to God. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).” Being half hearted in service is unacceptable. God has not called us to be lukewarm or lazy.

When we serve with a good attitude and a pure heart, God will reward us, bless us, bless others, and we will be giving God glory! We serve God and others through our actions, as well as our character and our attitude. Romans 14:17-18 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.”

1 Peter 4:11 encourages us by saying, “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” If you are struggling when you serve at times, then ask God to provide you with the strength that you need to get the job done. It is not by our own might and power, but by His Spirit that we are able to fulfill God’s will and plan. You can’t do it alone, so remain in prayer and stay connected with other believers, in order to stay strong.

It is true that you don’t have to be a Christian to serve. As a matter of fact, there are many non-Christian groups that serve and help others. However, Psalm 127:1 says “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” What good is our service to others, if we are not able to shine the light of Christ, give the glory to God, fulfill God’s will or share the Gospel with those that are unsaved? What reward will there be in the next life, if we don’t know Jesus? If we don’t have Christ in our hearts and lives, then how can we bear good fruit? The truth of that matter is that we can’t. In John 15:5 Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then please contact us at SoldierOfChrist_09@yahoo.com or by phone at 512-581-1114. We would love to talk to and pray with you.