A true servant is called and is commended by God and approved of Him to do certain works which have been pre-planned by Himself (2 Corinthians 10:18 and Ephesians 2:10). Being a servant of Christ means that you do not exalt yourself or your position or title (see Proverbs 25:6-7, Proverbs 25:27, Luke 14:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 10:18).

Genuine servants want to do the will of the Father. They will have a deep foothold on the Rock of Christ (to stand against any criticism) as he or she delights to do His will. Servant-hood, humility and meekness are needed to be worked out within a Christian’s life in conjunction with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

‘Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ…’ (2 Peter 1:1).

Servant-hood is just doing your Christian duty without expecting to be thanked or recognised (Luke 17:7-10). Servants do not seek man’s approval, but desire to honour God in all that they do (1 Corinthians 10:31 and Galatians 1:10-12). Sometimes you have to serve upward to those in authority (1 Timothy 6:2), and at other times downward to those who are in need (Matthew 25:35-40).

Servant-hood can mean cleaning tables and serving others (Acts 6:1-8), as well as carrying shopping for an elderly person, preaching the word of God (2 Timothy 2:2 and Titus 1:9), or the cleaning of pots and pans or chair arranging for the Sunday morning service etc., (see 1 Chronicles 9:31-32).

Jesus said, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Jesus said, “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31).

If you desire to become a real disciple and servant of God, you must abide by His rules and not those of the world. If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all. Jesus is the only perfect Servant; He was not forced into that role - it was one He freely chose. Jesus knew that the cross awaited Him, but He set out resolutely towards Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-56). Jesus learnt obedience by suffering (Hebrews 5:8).

Like Abraham, we have a choice to make. Abraham was a servant of God due to his obedience, sacrifice and loyal service to the Master, and was deemed the friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). The twelve disciples of Jesus had been enrolled in Jesus’ college of everyday life; they graduated from servants to friends due to their obedience (John 15:14-15). If we love Jesus then naturally we will want to obey Him (John 14:21).

Mission Preparation Training by Mathew Backholer.

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Mathew is the author of:
Revival Fire - 150 Years of Revivals Go
Extreme Faith – On Fire Christianity Go
Global Revival – Worldwide Outpourings Go
Revival Answers, True and False Revivals Go
Discipleship For Everyday Living: Christian Growth Go
Understanding Revival and Addressing the Issues Go
Revival Fires and Awakenings. Thirty-Six Visitations of the Holy Spirit Go
How to Plan, Prepare and Successfully Complete Your Short-Term Mission Go