The Shortest Way to the Top

The Shortest Way to the Top!

The focus word in your devotional diary is ‘Servanthood’.
Mt. 23.11 says, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Declaration: I serve with gladness today; true greatness is found in humble service to God and others.
4 aspects of Servanthood include:

1.     Servanthood redefines Greatness

Jesus modelled this on earth. The ideology/definition of Greatness was completely redefined by Jesus. The world measures greatness by power, position and recognition. Other parameters would also include financial standing, physical appearance etc.
But Jesus measures Greatness by service. Let’s look at some verses from the Bible namely, Mt. 20. 26 – 28 which says, “…… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant …..”
Phil 2. 5 – 7 shows that Christ made himself nothing and took the nature of a servant – a very heart touching and fine example of humility while being God, and not impressing his divine position; rather took the form of man, a servant, humble even unto death, descending the seven steps into hell; after which he was raised to heaven by God in 7 steps, raised up as the name above all names, whose throne is above all thrones.
Lk 22.26 shows that the greatest should be like the youngest; the one who rules like the one who serves. Normally, I tell you what is seen in the earthly realm, the direct opposite is seen in the heavenly realm.
The Lord once said, that which is honourable before men is detestable before God. Many times, we aren’t able to fathom God’s greatness. In heavenly terms, greatness is not being above others but lifting others. A 32 storeyed building attributes its strength to its hidden foundation. Servanthood supports others quietly and faithfully. It is not about self-power or sitting above others.

2.     Servanthood reflects the Character of Christ.

Jesus introduced the concept of Servant leadership and destroyed the norm of leadership ie. to control and boss over others. To serve others, to live for others, to minister to others – Jesus was the only one to model this kind of leadership after which, many followed His example. Jesus not only taught servanthood but lived it too. The King of kings chose the path of humility and service. Jesus could have easily knocked off King Herod and ruled or established his throne in Jerusalem based on his lineage in the clan of David. But the Lord did not do it.
Jn 13. 14 -15 shows how Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and told them to follow his example.
Mk 10.45 – The Son of man came not to be served but to serve.
Isa 53.11 - By His service many will be made righteous.
Servanthood is the spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit - working in us. When Believers serve others, they reveal the heart of Jesus. An illustration would be a shepherd who walks ahead of the flock; not to display authority but to guide and protect the flock.
True leadership always carry the spirit of service. In the New Testament, by shepherds in the church, Jesus points to the Pastors, elders, who need to move in front/ahead of the flock. They would have to stand on stage. They may not be able to do all the work off stage because their role has its own responsibilities and more while other appointed deacons, volunteers, greeters etc. can do the work allotted to them.
Another example is seen in Acts 6. We see an argument erupting about the distribution of food. Then some of the apostles said that they would not be able to engage in food distribution as they were into prayer and ministry. But there were some among them who could handle the distribution. They told them to appoint them and let them do the distribution. In other words, role play!
 
3.     Servanthood builds the community of God

It builds the church and fellowship. Servanthood strengthens unity and love within the church. Otherwise all would behave as kings and captains, unbothered by the fellowship’s needs. Whichever church, whatever denomination, around the world, the majority of people would attend the service/fellowship and leave. The majority of people do this. But if you are part of a church looking into the arrangements and facilities prior to the service, taking care of the needs of the community without expecting any reward – they accomplish true servanthood. Servanthood strengthens unity and love in the church. I often ask people if they do anything for the church because there are an endless number of opportunities to serve being a part of the body of Christ rather than to be a mute spectator who comes and goes. Introspect your role in the church. The next time you attend church, ask your pastor to delegate some work to you; not for monetary benefit but to do it for the church. Ask for work!
In my early days, I got a cleaning job in the church. I would go early and clean the floors of Faith Home and do the necessary arrangements for the service. For many years I did it and am still willing to do it. But being a shepherd, ministry calls to preach and minister the Word to the multitudes. I am now involved in sharing the Word and prophecies mostly and training plenty. This is my mentality.
When everyone seeks to serve rather than to be honoured, the whole body grows in harmony.
The unity and the fellowship turns beautiful. But if people were to hold an attitude and be unrelenting, then there would be lots of problems in the church. So let us rid ourselves of our egos and unwanted attitudes and let the mentality of servanthood take root in us. Respond with an amen.
Gal 5.13 speaks of serving one another humbly in love.
1Peter 4.10 asks to use whatever gift you have received to serve others.
Rm 12.10 – honour one another above yourselves.
A serving heart creates an atmosphere where people feel valued and cared for.
In Blessing Today, members who serve food are employed otherwise. But they still choose to serve the community. Similarly, greeters would be well employed. But they come early to greet and usher and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  Their reward in heaven is big. That’s why many don’t feel alone/orphaned when they come to church as there are people who care for them and serve them.
Consider a family. A healthy family has members who take up small small chores. The father, the mother do what they have to do. The children should do what they have to. The kids should not depend on the mother to do their chores. If each one does their part, that family turns into a mini heaven. So all viewing Morning Glory, please decide not to leave all the work to the parents, or on one son or daughter. Share the burden and serve each other.
 
4.     Servanthood receives God’s honour.

Jesus said, those who humble themselves in service will be lifted up. God sees every unseen act of service! Even if the pastors and community don’t see it.
Mt. 25.40 says, “……. whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
James 4.10 says, “humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
Col 3.23 - 24 says, “…… work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord…..”
Servants may not always receive recognition from people but God never overlooks faithful service. Many people leave church because they feel their service is not acknowledged but God does not overlook it.
Therefore, faithful service slowly produces visible fruit. Servanthood may appear small but in God’s kingdom it leads to true greatness! Decide to serve.
Let’s pray!
 

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