Day 33: How real servants act

Day 33: How real servants act

In this world most of the people define greatness in terms of power, wealth, possessions, prestige, or position. But God disagree this concept. God determines our greatness by how many people we serve instead. Often we see books about leadership; everything teaches you how to be a leader. Everyone wants to lead other people; no one wants to be a servant.
Sometimes, when we go so far, when we come to so far, it’s wise to have a rest and ask ourselves: Are we growing to be more like Christ? Jesus himself showed us the example of being a servant.

While knowing your shape is important for serving God, having the heart of a servant is even more important.
Rick Warren – The Purpose Driven Life

We need to have this heart to be a servant to keep ourselves from falling for temptations to misuse our shape just for our personal gain. God often tests us through asking us to serve not the way we are shaped. We should serve in area where you are needed at the moment, not only in the area of which you are shaped. The servant’s heart is very important, as it will reveal your maturity. What talent or gift is needed to help out in cleaning or arranging tables and chairs after a church meeting?

Anyone can be a servant. All it requires is character.
Rick Warren – The Purpose Driven Life

So, how to be a real servant?
Real servants make themselves available to serve. They don’t give excuses just to avoid serving God. They are always being prepared to serve, so as a soldier always be prepared to be enlisted to protect his country. Serving only when you are convenient is not a real servant. A question to think about: Are we available to God at any time?

We don’t get to pick and choose when or where we will serve. That is what being a servant is all about – giving up the right to control your schedule and let God to plan for you instead. That is why, praying to God and invite Him to be the shepherd every morning is very helpful.

Real servants pay attention to needs. They always look out for ways to help others.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:10

When someone needs our help, just help him or her, for it is an opportunity given by God for you to grow in servanthood. Likewise, we should pay attention to your church family. Pay attention. We miss a lot chances for serving because of our lake of sensitivity and spontaneity. Chances don’t come often. Therefore, seize them when you have one. Don’t wait.

Do not say to your neighbor,
“I’ll come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow” -
when you now have it with you.
Proverbs 4:28

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.
John Wesley

Isn’t that powerful? It does not matter if what you are doing is big or small; God is watching it.

Real servants do their best with what they have. We don’t make excuses, procrastination. Instead we just do what needs to be done. During my first few times in Hoffnung Stuttgart I was quite doubtful, because I fear I am not good enough to serve. But no! It does not have to be perfect for God to use and bless. And this leads to the next point:

Real servants do every task with equal dedication. In other words, we do things with all of our heart.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not or men.
Colossian 3:23

And don’t ever think that yourself is much important than others.

If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Galatians 6:3

We don’t have to look for the big stuffs to do for God. A small thing could be more significant than the big, when we do it with all of our heart.

Real servants are faithful to their ministry. They do everything, and they do not leave any job half undone. They don’t quit when facing discouragement. They are trustworthy and dependable. Not many people are truly faithful. I could not call myself a faithful one – There are a lot of promises that I did not keep, vows that I did not fulfill… This element is, however, important because God has promised to reward us for our faithfulness:

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Matthew 25:23

Real servants maintain a low profile. They do not show off what they have done. They keep them low. Jesus told us:

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1

I learned again today that I should not be waiting for comments from her, him, you or anyone. I should not be discouraged when what I’m doing so far is unnoticed or taken for granted. It’s God’s work that a servant like me is doing. The Verse to Remember of today is very meaningful:

“If you give even a cup of gold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
Matthew 10:42 New Living Translation

Vincent