We have just completed our annual Servants Academy. The week was well attended and encouraging. Giving young people a glimpse into the life of a SWSBS student while also emphasizing the need to serve is a good work, and we are thankful to the Lord for the privilege of doing it.
Consider for a moment the term servant. What is a servant? What does it mean to serve? Notice 5 qualities set forth in God’s Word.
1. A servant surrenders to his Master’s will. Reflect on passages like Romans 6:16-18, 2 Timothy 1:3, and Colossians 3:24. Our wishes, our desires, and our will become secondary to the Masters!
2. A servant cannot be selfish. Note carefully the characteristics described in Philippians 2:3-4 and Romans 15:1-2. A faithful servant does just that–he serves. He puts the Lord and His people first and himself last.
3. A servant does not seek recognition. Christians recognize that we are not our own (1 Cor. 6:19-20). All that we do is for the Master and His glory, not our own. So we glory only in Him (Gal. 6:14).
4. A servant focuses on the needs of others. Paul wrote, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being” (1 Cor. 10:24). Servants look and meet the needs of those around them. Consider Barnabas as an example (Acts 4:36-37)!
5. A servant does not serve only when it’s convenient. Note the circumstances in which Paul found himself while writing Philippians 1:12-18. A servant serves all the time–not just when it’s easy or convenient.
Our culture is more selfish than it has ever been. Too often do we hear “That’s someone else’s job,” or “I’m too busy,” or “I’m too tired.” The church needs more servants!