How are we to serve God? What is meant by having a servant’s heart? I was one of those who did not understand this as I began my journey in faith. I thought that the preacher was the servant of God and therefore had all the answers and all I need do is be present in church. This was a falsehood and as I grew in my understanding, and with the help of very senior pastors, I began to see that all Christians are servants of God. This is truly a blessing of the Lords grace. This is the opportunity that is provided, to follow the example of Jesus Himself. Serving God is a journey of great joy and reward.
John 13:1–17 recounts Jesus' performance of this act. In verses 13:14–17, He instructs His disciples: If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Now I may not go around washing feet as the Lord did for His disciples, but servitude comes in many forms. We must, as we are instructed, put others ahead of ourselves. This allows us to remember that no one is above anyone else in the eyes of God. That was the intention of the washing of feet by Christ our Lord. As He stated, this example is to show that we should all care for each other and be humble. We, as Christians have become the servants of the Lord. This is the position we have accepted as His followers. Just as the disciples learned, we are to serve the Lord in any capacity He chooses. He is after all, the Lord, the boss if you will. He is God Almighty and we are His creation. We are His children by His loving grace and we are to act humbly in His service.
We are all called to missionaries in one way or another. By this I mean we all have a mission designed by God, and we will be provided whatever is required to complete this mission. Some are called to serve in faraway lands. Others are to serve locally, but we are all called to serve in some way. Some are called to be active members of the church, to attend the churches duties, others are preachers, teachers, and pastors, singers of praise and writers of worship songs to the Lord. Others are called to simply live lives according to the Word and be a model for others. But we are called to service.
We must ask ourselves, what God is calling me to do. I for one had no idea what the Lord wanted of me, but I kept hearing, feeling His pull. When I prayed and asked for guidance, I was led to write. I am no great writer of novels or stories, but I can retell the gospel with a vigor I have for nothing else.
When I first attempted to orally preach, I was unsure of how I would come across, as I had never done this before. After praying for guidance, the words came pouring out of my mouth and I could talk at length about the word. I found that I could preach the gospel with ease and comfort while relying on the Lord God for guidance through the Holy Spirit. Then I realized that everyone has an ability, given to them by God, built in as a provision for their calling.
Jesus set the example, the disciples and Apostles lived that example. We that follow as Christians, take up the same cross, and bear it as the early Christians did. We speak the truth of the bible, not adding to or changing anything. Only to repeat the same message of salvation. The message of forgiveness and reconciliation to the Lord God. The message of freedom from sin and guilt. The message of grace form the God of Heaven and earth. The message of repentance through the blood of Christ and that it is for all who will accept it. I am so happy to be a servant, and to have a serving heart, blessed by the Lord. To be allowed to serve the one true God, the Father of Jesus Christ and of us all who accept Him.
My hope, wish, and prayer, is that someone who reads these small messages will accept Jesus as Lord. Submit to Him and be saved. That is my only goal. That is my reason for service to my God. Oh what a crown we are strive to get for our reward, to place at the feet of Christ. After all, only He can deserve such a crown for His obedience and our salvation.
To serve God, in any form He has called us to, is the most rewarding and amazing job we could ever want or hope for. Just take some time, read the gospels and see the service of Jesus for yourself. Listen as your pastor or church leader speaks the word of God and teaches His Holy Word 0f salvation and service. Notice how Jesus healed the sick, and other miracles he performed as a service to the Lord. Notice how He always prayed, and then acted. Notice how He gave all acclaim and praise to god for the work He did. Jesus said that He did nothing of Himself, but from the power of God. He said that when you see Him, you have seen God. You have seen the love and compassion of God at work. He turned no one away, but did serve them all. He ate with sinners, He visited with sinners, and he healed sinners. He did not choose only what was considered the best of the best, He welcomed all without favor. He knew that all have sinned, but not all would admit it. He answered the plea from as many as would come. All this to serve the one God, the true God, who would allow forgiveness of all sin. This was an act of the Fathers grace. This was an act of unconditional love. He never told anyone to confess sin before receiving His gift of healing.
Just read for yourselves and see the truth. Be an active and alive Christian in all you do and think. Be as Christ like as you possibly can, then let God make lift you higher. He will because He never leaves your side. He is always with you as He has promised to be. He is there when you need Him, and when you may think you don’t. He is always with those who love and obey Him as He was with the early Christians. He knows all so there will near be anything that can catch Him by surprise.
We are called to Christ, first as a believer and then as His own. He paid a very high price for us. We can serve God by the way we live. What a wonderful life it is after we are saved by Him.
Just trust in the Lord, give Him all of yourself and watch Him work in your life. Obey Him and be a good servant in the Lord. The rewards for such devotion is immeasurable. Let the Lord Jesus guide your life through the Holy Spirit and may God bless you. AMEN.