Are Servants Overrated?

What constitutes true servitude?

A genuine servant is motivated by the love he has for those he serves. Mind you, this does not imply that the ones you serve are lovable or that you feel a great emotion of love for them. But, to be a true servant, it requires the mind of Christ – a mind that is not consumed with itself but willing to lay down its life for the sake of others no matter what your position. Let’s consider Christ’s mind in Philippians 2:5-8:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Let’s think about this for a moment:

Jesus Christ was the Son of God who created the universe – the third person of the Godhead who gave himself willingly without remorse or doubt. He gave himself for a people who had rejected Him and His ways – a people who not only rejected Him but despised and hated Him – even those whom had not even been born. And even in spite of all this, He took upon himself the form of a servant – with all its historical significance – so that you and I might know redemption!

Never allow yourself to be motivated by the response you may receive from those you serve. Many times you will find yourself discouraged because people either have not or refuse to see the value of what you are investing in their lives. Never make a decision to be the servant you are called to be based upon the emotion of the moment. Humble yourself and know that what you are doing is for the furtherance of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus Christ.
Servanthood affects every aspect of life…

…Especially leadership. When we think of true leadership or greatness, it is polar opposite of God’s definition. Jesus said, “He that is greatest among you will be servant of all”. True leadership is servant leadership. The Leader is not only there to give direction and vision but he also knows and understand the needs of those he leads. He positions himself – even if that is a lowly one – so he is not lording over those God has placed in his care. Instead, he meets those needs with compassion and care no matter how menial or subservient the task.

And last but not least, servanthood affects every relationship that we will steward in our lifetime. Our freedom in Christ releases us to serve those whom God has placed in our life: our fellow churchmen, family, co-workers and bosses, and the list goes on. We were not set free to be and do what we want rather we were set free to be and do what we could never do. Let us have the mind of Christ. May it transform our thinking and application. May we be as Christ who took on the form of a servant and became obedient even to the death of the cross. This is true servanthood.

Daniel Cavanaugh