Bible Reading: Joshua 18 & 19; Psalms 149 & 150; Jeremiah 9; Matthew 23
Matthew 23:11-12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
It seems that all of life is lived now trying to get to a place where you do not have to work. Young people go to school and choose careers that will require the least amount of work and the greatest benefit to themselves. Of course this is not always the case. Our current welfare state in our country actually teaches people to let others work and serve them. They are rewarded for being lazy and nonproductive. How our world needs to hear the words of Jesus! The greatest is not the one who makes the most money and retires early. The greatest is the one who serves.
By definition, a servant works. The servant does many things for his master. Either in and around the house or out in the field or place of business, the servant is at work. The servant also works for someone else. He is not managing his own estate and so bettering his position in the world. He is doing the work for the one he serves.
Do you seek to serve or to be served? Think about it and be challenged by the words of Jesus. Do you look for opportunities to serve Jesus and others or do you expect for people to serve you.
A church was having a fellowship meal. There were two groups of people. There were those who showed up and expected to be served. When they received their meal, they ate and talked. However, when they had finished eating, they either sat idly while others cleaned up or they quickly left to get to their next engagement. There was another group of people. They served the others. They had been their early to make the proper arrangements for the meal. They stayed after to make sure everything was put up and the place left clean. In which group do you find yourself?
In man's kingdom, the King is served by all and the great men have servants themselves. In Jesus' kingdom, the king is the greatest servant and his loyal subjects learn from his example and serve him and one another.
Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
To be a servant you need an important attitude – humility. Do not think too highly of yourself. Do not seek glory or fame. Do not expect for people to try to make your life easier. Simply love God and others and seek to help them. Try to go out of your way to be a blessing to others. It matters not if anyone sees your service. The king sees. Jesus knows who the servants are.
In Christ,
Rody
