Servanthood

What does it mean to serve? And who, how, when, where, why?

Christ did not serve Himself... He served others the glory of God, which He obtained through prayer and spending time w/ God... seeking the Will of God.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Christ did not come on His own authority, nor did He conduct His own agenda's in all the work God assigned to Him. There are many times in the bible where Jesus prayed, much upon the mountains, away from the busyness of the cities. He had to submit Himself before God, due to living in our fleshy nature. He prayed... living by faith, not by sight. There was a time when people were coming after Him so they could make Him king, but Christ departed... being tempted to become king over the land by the miracles He was conducting on behalf of God. He departed to come before God... to let go of the temptations of this world, to ask for strengthening during the time when He sent the disciples across the lake to the other side. And look what happens... Jesus walks on water, catching up to them as they were rowing against the wind.

His attention was fully dependent upon God. He was sent to serve us according to the glory and riches that God has for our lives.

But, what does that mean for us. There have been many of times where I have served myself, and not those around me. He was humble. I have to be more humble before others- regardless of how they speak to me. Serve them.

Its like having a platter in our hands... do I serve what I put on it to others? Or do I serve... in a form of response... a platter of love to the person who is frustrating me.

Joshua or Jacob served Laban for 14 years... being obedient to God as he served Laban- despite how He was treated.

So how do I do it? I cannot do it on my own- that just is guaranteed to lead to destruction. I need to pray to God for the wisdom and strength to take the brunt of this world, and in return... by His mercy and grace that is freely given... I can share that mercy and grace to those around me... as best I can.