I will never forget the lesson I learned on servanthood. I had attended a Christian retreat where I experienced the joy of agape love. I was overwhelmed with the love I experienced. A year later, I was called upon to now serve at the same retreat. As a “cookie,” I served the pilgrims by cooking and cleaning and keeping up the grounds. I also had the privilege of showering the pilgrims with gifts as we sang songs of joy. I commented to my friend after the retreat that I experienced more joy and satisfaction from serving rather than being served. I thanked God for this experience of diligent servanthood which brought me great joy.
MEMORY VERSE
“Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling” (Psalm 2:11, NIV).
WHAT’S IN A WORD?
Servant…
A servant is “a person employed to perform services…such as household duties, for another” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “one who performs duties about the person” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “servants of righteousness” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).
HIDDEN GEMS
In a “me first” society, it can be difficult to see servanthood in people. However, Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. In the same way, we must copy His example and serve others.
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12, NIV).
Read Matthew 23:11-12. Who will the greatest among you be?
What will happen to those who exalt themselves?
What will happen to those who humble themselves?
Jesus introduced an upside-down way of living which was against the way others lived. We are called the greatest when we are a servant. Pride interferes with a servant mentality. However, God will humble those who have pride while exalting the humble.
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’” (Mark 9:35, NIV).
Read Mark 9:35. Who is Jesus speaking to in this Scripture verse?
What must one who wants to be first?
Who will they serve?
The servant of all – Jesus makes it clear that society has it wrong. When we follow Jesus’ example of servanthood, we will be blessed. The first must indeed be the very last.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21, NIV).
Read Ephesians 5:21. What must we do to one another?
Out of what for Christ is submission done?
Submission is defined as “the act of…yielding or surrendering” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). Out of reverence to Christ, we must yield to one another. Submission leads to servanthood. We will be blessed as we take on a servant’s attitude.
“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7, NIV).
Read Philippians 2:7. Who does this verse describe?
What did Jesus make Himself?
What nature did Jesus take on?
What was He being made of?
Jesus came from Heaven to being made in human likeness. Jesus took on a servant’s attitude. We must copy the example of Jesus in the Scriptures.
YOUR HEART’S DESIRE
As I was abused in my childhood, my level of trust diminished. I looked out for myself in fear of being taken advantage of. As I came back to God, He helped me to be a servant and serve others with gladness.
Name a time when you were called to be a servant.
How did this copy Jesus in the Scriptures?
What Scripture spoke to you during this time?
What reward came from serving others?
We will indeed be blessed when we serve others in humility. The world calls us to look out for ourselves. However, Jesus calls us to look out for others and serve them.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, remind me to keep a servant’s attitude as I go about my day today. Open my eyes to opportunities to serve others and put a smile on their faces. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
NUGGETS OF WISDOM
The greatest reward for serving others is the satisfaction found in your own heart. Author unknown
The head grows by taking in but the heart grows by giving out. Author unknown
To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity. Donald A. Adams
In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can. William Barclay
Our lives will harmonize best with God’s will and the demands of the Law when they serve other people best. John Calvin
Inner Beauty Bible Study 