We come in contact with many people daily, people who have various situations in their lives, be it sickness, troubles at work, loss of jobs, accidents. Situations common to all mankind. Our Lord was the greatest servant and gave many examples to us in how to be a servant.
I’ve heard, and perhaps you as well, “Leadership begins at the foot and not the head.” Our Lord taught by example the lesson in Scripture. Leadership does begin at the foot. When we are servants, we put aside ourselves, and focus on others. Christianity is, after all, God First, Others Second and Me Last.
“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. Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, Lord, dost Thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto Him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto Him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me. Simon Peter saith unto Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For He knew who should betray Him; and therefore said He, Ye are not all clean. 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. For I give you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither He that is sent greater than He that sent Him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:4-17
“Self-promotion and servanthood don’t mix. Real servants don’s serve for the approval and applause of others. They live for an audience of One. Real servants maintain a low profile. Servants don’t promote or call attention to themselves. Real servants are faithful and finish their tasks, fulfill their responsibilities, keep their promises, and complete their commitments. They don’t leave a job half done and they don’t quit when they are discouraged. They are trustworthy and dependable. Real servants are committed. Most people don’t know the meaning of commitment. They make commitments casually, then break them for the slightest reason without any hesitation, remorse, or regret. Every week congregations must improvise because volunteers didn’t prepare, didn’t show up or did not call to say they were not coming.”
“Real servants pay attention to needs. When they see a need, they seize the moment to meet it. Real servants do their best with what they have. Servants don’t make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances. Servants never say, “One of these days” or “When the time is right.” They just do what needs to be done. Less than perfect service is always better than the best intention.”
Real servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants “do it will all their heart.”
“If you only serve when it’s convenient for you, you’re not a real servant. Real servants do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient. That’s what you might call an inconvenient truth.” ~ Unknown
The heart of a servant is one of humility. They seek not to be noticed of others, but to serve others. Our Lord had the true heart of a Servant. He did not seek to be served, but to serve.
“And He said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? They said unto Him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on Thy right hand, and the other on Ty left hand, in Thy glory. But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I Am baptized with? And they said unto Him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on My right hand and on my left hand is not Mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:36-45
“I have found David my servant; with My holy oil have I anointed him: With whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen him.” Psalms 89: 20-21
“And David My servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in My judgments, and observe My statutes, and do them.”
Ezekiel 37:24
There are many reasons God called David a servant of His. He was faithful, obedient, penitent, loving, devoted, trusting, respectful and a humble servant of God.
Moses, Joshua, Abraham, Paul and many others in Scripture were servants of God. They were all leaders for they were obedient to Him. Humble servants seeking to do His will.
May we all as faithful children of God have the heart of a servant!
“If I support my family, I’m a provider.
If I kiss a child’s hurt finger, I’m a healer.
If I dry another’s tear, I’m a comforter.
If I reach a hand to the fallen, I’m a restorer.
If I give directions to a lost pilgrim, I’m a guide.
If I work for harmony, I’m a peacemaker.
If I right the world’s wrongs, I’m a crusader.
If I hearten the despondent, I’m an encourager
If I aid the needy, I’m a benefactor.
If I keep secrets, I’m a confidant.
If I light a candle in a dark world, I’m an illuminator.
If I live a sermon, I’m an example.
If I’m just a part of this, I’m useful. ~ Leroy Brownlow
Eileen Light