Servanthood

Serve: to render assistance; be of use; help.


One of my favorite bible verses is Matthew 11:28-30:

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light'."

When I read those verses I can more times than not identify with the weary and heavy burden part. Life is difficult and it can be severe in its treatment of all of us. I love the verse because it reminds me that God wants us to worship Him so He can serve us. He wants to serve us with His grace, mercy, forgiveness and His love. 

God is the greatest example of being a servant.

After reading the 58th chapter of Isaiah I realized some important qualities about being a servant and having a servant's heart. 

Below are three thoughts on "Servanthood": 

1. Servants are never selfish, servants are humble. Never do anything out of selfish motives. In the end servants are not slaves. Don't let people guilt you into doing things that are for their selfish benefit. That is manipulation and manipulation doesn't merit a response of any kind. Just be mindful that humility isn't thinking less of yourself it's just thinking of yourself less.

2. Always think of others more important than yourself. I'm not talking about constantly beating yourself up or sharing with others that you're not worthy. Self loathing, like arrogance, are difficult traits to experience and tolerate. What I'm talking about is an internal dialogue one must have within them self that creates a mindset that other people are more important than themselves. There is nothing more attractive than a person that displays heartfelt humility without praising themselves or putting themselves down. They just have a quiet and confident spirit that does all the talking and displays a humbleness that is more willing to quietly give than receive. Acts 20:35 states, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."... I agree. Once that lesson is learned it truly can revolutionize your life. Givers stick out like a sore thumb.

3. Do not limit your sights upon your own personal needs and interests. The world is much bigger than you. Thinking of only ourselves is tedious, boring, narcissistic, lonely and unattractive. Life is grand when it is shared with others in a manner that say's, "You are of great value to me and you are important to me." Life is better when you focus on others, not yourself.

This Holiday Season seek out people who "serve" others and observe them. Watch how they conduct and carry themselves and then model their behavior. It will be the best gift you give to those around you and the best gift you will give to yourself this Christmas.

Ultimately, when you are a servant you are humble, gentle and you give rest to others, as well as, yourself.

sbb  13.12.10

 514

Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me)  .  Tevin Campbell 

 youtube  (Watch the video)