Three Key Traits of Servants: A Kingdom Way of Life
In the teachings of Jesus, we find a profound call to live as servants, embodying a selfless and humble way of life. Jesus himself modeled this servant-heartedness, stating, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom." (Mark 10:45) As followers of Christ, we are invited to embrace this kingdom way, marked by three key traits: consideration for others, humility, and love. In this article, we will explore each of these traits in-depth and discover how they can transform our relationships and our impact on the world.
Trait 1: Consideration for Others
As servants, we are called to consider the needs and interests of others above our own. Jesus exemplified this when he said, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43) Servants choose to prioritize the well-being of others and refrain from competing or lording over them. This new ethic of considering others cultivates healthier and more meaningful relationships. If we struggle in our relationships, studying the way of Jesus and obeying His word can provide guidance and transformation.
The Power of Serving Others
Servants are not selfish but intentionally choose to serve. They lower themselves and actively consider the needs of those around them. Philippians 2:4 reminds us, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." While it may come naturally to prioritize ourselves, the kingdom way challenges us to position ourselves to serve others. By doing so, we create a positive impact on our relationships and open the door to the great banquet of our Lord Jesus, inviting others to join in.
The Humility of Servanthood
Another characteristic of servants is their humility. Rather than being haughty or prideful, servants walk in humility, imitating Christ's example. Philippians 2:14-15 encourages us to "do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation." By embracing humility, we not only reflect the mind of Christ but also shine as lights in a dark world. Humility allows the way of Jesus to radiate through our lives, drawing others to Him.
Trait 2: Humility - A Key to Genuine Servanthood
Humility is a vital attribute of servants. It is an acknowledgment that we are not to lord over or exercise authority over others. Instead, we are to love them genuinely and serve them with a selfless heart. First Corinthians 13:4-7 provides a beautiful description of love, which is the essence of genuine servanthood. "Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
The Compelling Power of Love
Love is the most excellent way to live as a servant. Jesus emphasized its significance when He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34) Our love for one another should be a distinguishing mark of our discipleship. As we love and serve, our lives become a stark contrast to the selfishness and greed prevalent in the world. This contrast shines brightly, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ's love.
The Abnormality of Serving
Serving others goes against our natural inclination towards self-centeredness. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit within us that we can embrace the life of a servant. When we choose to live in radical devotion to loving Jesus and others, our lives become a testimony to the transformative power of love. As we walk in the way of Jesus, our relationships are marked by selflessness, compassion, and genuine care for one another. This is the beautiful love and community that Jesus invites us to live in.
Trait 3: Love - The Driving Force of Servanthood
Love is the driving force behind genuine servanthood. It is through love that we imitate Christ's sacrificial service, even though we cannot be the substitute for someone's salvation. Love empowers us to serve others and allows the way of Jesus to shine through our lives. Jesus Himself said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Our call as servants is to embody this sacrificial love and to live a life that draws others closer to Him.
The Impact of Love on Relationships
Love is patient, kind, and selfless. It is not envious, boastful, or rude. It does not keep a record of wrongs. When we walk in love, we demonstrate the mind of Christ and reflect His nature. Love allows us to shine as lights in a dark and twisted world. Jesus emphasized the importance of love in John 13:35, saying, "By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." Our love for one another should be so compelling and evident that it sets us apart and draws others to Christ.
The Abundance of Love in Community
Imagine a small group, a community, or a Bible study class known for its love. What if your home, workplace, or college campus were characterized by genuine and selfless love? As servants, we have the opportunity to create a significant impact through our love and service. When we live out the kingdom way, the way of Jesus, our lives become a testimony to His transformative power. Love becomes the driving force behind our actions, and others see the beauty of Christ's love through us. Our love and community become a beacon of light, drawing others to the abundant love found in the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
As servants, we are called to embrace a kingdom way of life, marked by consideration for others, humility, and love. By prioritizing the needs and interests of others, walking in humility, and allowing love to be the driving force behind our actions, we reflect the heart of Jesus to the world. Let us commit ourselves to living as servants, shining the light of Christ's love in our relationships, and making a lasting impact on those around us. May the kingdom way become a reality in our lives as we follow in the footsteps of our servant-hearted Savior, Jesus Christ.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45
This recap is from The Crux of the Cross Week 1: Substitution | Mark 10:45. Check out the full sermon below from Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson.
Trait 1: Consideration for Others
As servants, we are called to consider the needs and interests of others above our own. Jesus exemplified this when he said, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Mark 10:43) Servants choose to prioritize the well-being of others and refrain from competing or lording over them. This new ethic of considering others cultivates healthier and more meaningful relationships. If we struggle in our relationships, studying the way of Jesus and obeying His word can provide guidance and transformation.
The Power of Serving Others
Servants are not selfish but intentionally choose to serve. They lower themselves and actively consider the needs of those around them. Philippians 2:4 reminds us, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." While it may come naturally to prioritize ourselves, the kingdom way challenges us to position ourselves to serve others. By doing so, we create a positive impact on our relationships and open the door to the great banquet of our Lord Jesus, inviting others to join in.
The Humility of Servanthood
Another characteristic of servants is their humility. Rather than being haughty or prideful, servants walk in humility, imitating Christ's example. Philippians 2:14-15 encourages us to "do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation." By embracing humility, we not only reflect the mind of Christ but also shine as lights in a dark world. Humility allows the way of Jesus to radiate through our lives, drawing others to Him.
Trait 2: Humility - A Key to Genuine Servanthood
Humility is a vital attribute of servants. It is an acknowledgment that we are not to lord over or exercise authority over others. Instead, we are to love them genuinely and serve them with a selfless heart. First Corinthians 13:4-7 provides a beautiful description of love, which is the essence of genuine servanthood. "Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
The Compelling Power of Love
Love is the most excellent way to live as a servant. Jesus emphasized its significance when He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34) Our love for one another should be a distinguishing mark of our discipleship. As we love and serve, our lives become a stark contrast to the selfishness and greed prevalent in the world. This contrast shines brightly, drawing others to the transformative power of Christ's love.
The Abnormality of Serving
Serving others goes against our natural inclination towards self-centeredness. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit within us that we can embrace the life of a servant. When we choose to live in radical devotion to loving Jesus and others, our lives become a testimony to the transformative power of love. As we walk in the way of Jesus, our relationships are marked by selflessness, compassion, and genuine care for one another. This is the beautiful love and community that Jesus invites us to live in.
Trait 3: Love - The Driving Force of Servanthood
Love is the driving force behind genuine servanthood. It is through love that we imitate Christ's sacrificial service, even though we cannot be the substitute for someone's salvation. Love empowers us to serve others and allows the way of Jesus to shine through our lives. Jesus Himself said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) Our call as servants is to embody this sacrificial love and to live a life that draws others closer to Him.
The Impact of Love on Relationships
Love is patient, kind, and selfless. It is not envious, boastful, or rude. It does not keep a record of wrongs. When we walk in love, we demonstrate the mind of Christ and reflect His nature. Love allows us to shine as lights in a dark and twisted world. Jesus emphasized the importance of love in John 13:35, saying, "By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." Our love for one another should be so compelling and evident that it sets us apart and draws others to Christ.
The Abundance of Love in Community
Imagine a small group, a community, or a Bible study class known for its love. What if your home, workplace, or college campus were characterized by genuine and selfless love? As servants, we have the opportunity to create a significant impact through our love and service. When we live out the kingdom way, the way of Jesus, our lives become a testimony to His transformative power. Love becomes the driving force behind our actions, and others see the beauty of Christ's love through us. Our love and community become a beacon of light, drawing others to the abundant love found in the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
As servants, we are called to embrace a kingdom way of life, marked by consideration for others, humility, and love. By prioritizing the needs and interests of others, walking in humility, and allowing love to be the driving force behind our actions, we reflect the heart of Jesus to the world. Let us commit ourselves to living as servants, shining the light of Christ's love in our relationships, and making a lasting impact on those around us. May the kingdom way become a reality in our lives as we follow in the footsteps of our servant-hearted Savior, Jesus Christ.
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45
This recap is from The Crux of the Cross Week 1: Substitution | Mark 10:45. Check out the full sermon below from Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson.
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