Possessing a servant’s heart is the mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Serving others gives God glory, and it is a blessing in so many ways. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).” When we give of ourselves to others, we are blessed in the process, which is a gift of God. Service is a blessing, but it is also our duty as Christians. As believers we have been called to “serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).” Therefore, we need to have a good attitude when we serve.
The condition of our heart is what matters most to God. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).” Most importantly, when we serve, we are not only serving others, we are serving Jesus Christ. God deserves our whole hearted effort. When you serve, do it “wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:7).” The Lord does not want lukewarm, half hearted followers. He desires genuine women and men of God who are on fire for Him!
When we serve, we shouldn’t complain or argue. Although it may be difficult sometimes, God never said that what we do for Him will be easy. As a matter of fact, if you’re not being challenged during your spiritual journey, then you may want to ask yourself why. God wants us to grow in Him. Philippians 2:14-15, instructs, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”
Put your best foot forward for the Lord and shine His beautiful Light to the world! Don’t trust your own strength when you step out to serve God and others. “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:11).” It is not by our own might or power, but by the Spirit of God that we are able to accomplish anything good. Make time to fellowship with the Lord and lean on Him, as opposed to leaning on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Jesus was, is and always will be the best example of what a true servant is. His entire life was dedicated to doing the will of God and serving others in love. We can see His example shine as we turn the pages of the New Testament. Jesus healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, fed the multitudes, and washed the feet of His disciples. He is the perfect, divine role model, and we should follow His lead. Philippians 2 gives us excellent guidance on how to be a better servant of the Lord, as well. It tells us to be humble, consider others before we consider ourselves, have the same attitude as Jesus, be obedient to God’s will, work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and remember that it is God who is working in and through us (Philippians 2:5-13).
You know that you should be a servant for God, and you know how to be a servant through Biblical examples, but you may be wondering where you should serve. The Bible tells us that we are all given gifts and talents. Take a look within yourself, ask the Lord, and ask others, in order to realize what your gifts and talents are. Once you discover more about your gifts and talents, you will be able to use them to serve God and others. For example, if you have been given the gift of teaching, then you would probably do well serving as a teacher inside or outside of the church. You may have been given the gift of healing, and in that case you would probably be great in the medical community or in ministry. Whatever the Lord has blessed you with, you can use it for His glory and to fulfill the call He has placed on your life.
When we serve others with what God has blessed us with, then we may be rewarded in this life, but we will definitely be rewarded in Heaven. Serving within your church is wonderful, but keep an open mind. The world needs Jesus, and God needs you to be His hands and feet. You never know if an act of service you give to someone who is unsaved may lead them to salvation. Also, don’t think that you have to travel to a third world country to serve. God may call you to witness to people in your family, neighborhood or community. Just be open to the Lord, and He will reveal to you how He wants to use you.
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