How To Develop Yourself As A Servant Of God
One of the major ways we demonstrate our new life in Christ is by becoming a servant
, which means we commit ourselves to living for God instead of ourselves. In other words, we become God-focused instead of self-focused. As servants, we are willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of advancing the Kingdom of God. Let's examine some important keys in developing servanthood.
Key 1: Following Jesus' example
Jesus lived a life of servanthood. His servant's heart was demonstrated in everything He did and everywhere He went. Everyone He came in contact with was affected by His determination to serve God and others. Before He was crucified, He showed His love for His disciples by washing their feet. John 13:3-5, 12 -14 describes the scene:
"Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded... So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet."
It is evident that Jesus had no problem taking on a servant's role.
Key 2: Love manifests a servant's heart
When we become Christians, we have a responsibility to adopt a lifestyle that demonstrates the character of Jesus Christ. The foundation of Christianity is love because God is love. When we learn to become servants, we build our character and cultivate the love of God in our hearts. God has always shown His love to us through serving us. His ultimate act of servanthood was sending Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16). This great act of serving mankind is why we, in turn, should serve Him and others.
Key 3: Characteristics of servanthood
Here are some characteristics of servanthood:
1. Servants make themselves available to God to serve.
2. Servants do what is needed, even when it is inconvenient.
3. Servants see interruptions as opportunities to practice serving others.
4. Servants pay attention to the needs of others.
5. No task is beneath a servant.
God will not force you to serve Him; the choice is yours. But you have to present yourself instead of waiting for someone to ask you to serve or for a miraculous sign to show up. God is always concerned about the condition of your heart; therefore, if your heart is not willing to serve Him, ask Him to help you in this area. Additionally, ask yourself, "Am I living to please God or myself? Am I concerned about what people think about me or what God thinks about me?" In doing so, you may discover other areas in which your servanthood can improve.
For example, God may be leading you to demonstrate the heart of a servant with your family and friends, in your work place, in an outreach ministry, or more frequently at your church. Obey whatever He is directing you to do. He will never forget what you have done to serve Him and others. By making a quality decision to walk in His love, and place His agenda before your own, you will be a genuine demonstration of the character of Jesus, and reap rewards here on earth and in heaven.
Source: CDM Website/ Article page
URL: http://www.creflodollarministries.org/BibleStudy/Articles.aspx?id=387
by: Creflo Dollar
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