How to Be the Lord’s Servant
If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:26 ESV
We serve the Lord by following Christ through the Spirit, and the Father will honor us because we are following his Son who gave his live for our salvation. How do we become a servant of the Lord that is pleasing to the Father and the Son?
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) Since the Lord looks at our hearts, then we must be the Lord’s servants in our hearts. This means serving the Lord becomes our life because we live out of our spiritual hearts. A Christian prays everyday for opportunities to bring Christ to people and to open doors for ministry.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) We are disciples of Christ meaning we are his servants and we are always learning and spiritually growing closer to the Lord. If we see ourselves as the Lord’s servants, then denying self is no problem. We would always prefer serving the Lord because of the love we have for the Father and the Son. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 ESV) With our hearts filled with God’s love, we see our life as his servants, and it becomes our desire. Serving the Lord is the best most fulfilling life possible.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; (2 Corinthians 6:4) Serving the Lord takes endurance especially in troubles, hardships and distress, just as Jesus did. When life gets difficult, this is when we seek the Lord’s help and guidance; and this is when we spiritually grow closer to the Lord. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13) This is a comforting verse because God is telling us that we are never tempted beyond what we can bear. Through the Lord’s strength and courage, we can endure all things, just like Jesus endured the cross.
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Corinthians 4:1 NASB) People, especially people we know, should see us as servants of Christ and we should reflect Christ to everyone through God’s love, kindness, and with a caring heart. The greatest and most fulfilling position on the planet is to be a servant of Christ and he sets his servants free. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Today, see yourself as a servant of Christ and let the Spirit guide your conscience. Remember throughout the day, you are the Lord’s servant, and an ambassador for Christ. Pray that being a servant of the Lord becomes your life as he fills your heart with his love. See yourself as the Lord’s ambassador in a foreign country where Heaven is your home. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with your love and the knowledge that I am your servant. Guide me to live each day as your servant, seeking your guidance in doing your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen