Servanthood and Example

.... In every form of ministry, a true Christian must live up the meaning of the word ‘minister’, which means to be a ‘servant’. He must always be willing to give of himself more and more freely – just as Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). It is through such sacrificial service that God promotes us, just as He promoted Jesus Himself as our supreme example:

.... "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles."

(Isaiah 42:1)

.... Maintaining a servant's attitude is important for a minister because it leads to fruitfulness when properly applied and to a large area of temptation when it is not. And unfortunately, some modern ministers have missed the mark completely. Their errors have ranged from subtle abuse to outright usurpation.

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.... As a mild example of abuse in some circles of the church, a pastor might take someone under their wing to ‘disciple’ them as a future leader. But in truth, this will mean little more than turning them into an unpaid servant. "Here’s the keys; go and wash my car." might be their idea of 'training' them – or some other absurd, self-serving exercise that is supposed to teach them a "servant’s heart".

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.... Where then, may we ask, is the same heart in the person who is supposed to be leading them by example? For remember that Jesus Himself is their own example, and He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life for many (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). So their attitude and approach is entirely backward, inappropriate and wrong:

.... "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 2:3-6)

.... In order to address this type of situation and to understand the whole concept of ministry more clearly (in both its proper and improper applications), we must now advance to the subject of authority. We will continue this discussion in our next postings.

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Daily Bible Reading: Philippians 4