Three Levels of Serving – Part 2

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This week we continue the series, Three Levels of Serving. Last week we discussed volunteering. Volunteering is important, as it has benefits for society, for charitable organizations and for the person volunteering. As important as volunteering is, however, that is only the first level. This week we discuss Level 2 – Servant.

A general definition of a servant is

  • A person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. A devoted and helpful follower or supporter.
  • A servant is anyone who works for another individual, the master, with or without pay. The master and servant relationship only arises when the tasks are performed by the servant under the direction and control of the master and are subject to the master’s knowledge and consent.

In studying the term servant, we notice that;

  • Uses language similar to an employee/employer relationship.
  • Common term in the Bible.
  • God refers to David as a servant (2 Sam 7:5).
  • Mary refers to herself as a servant (Luke 1:38).
  • Many others are referred to as servants – Job, Moses, Joshua

Even Jesus, God in the flesh, took on the role of a servant.
Philippians 2:6-7, Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.

We often think of servanthood in derogatory terms, but in scripture it is a very noble and honourable status. Matthew 20:26-28, Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Considerations:

  • Servanthood is often done out of a sense of duty. I serve him because he is my God and he redeemed me through his son, Jesus.
  • Servants “do it” because they are told to. They function out of obedience.
    • Moses didn’t want to go to Pharaoh (Exodus 3,4)
    • Jesus didn’t want to go to the cross (Matthew 26:38-39)
  • Servants stick it out longer when the going gets tough, where as volunteers leave when it is inconvenient for them.
  • Servants function out of duty, volunteers function out of self satisfaction

Next week we look at the third level. Be sure to join us. If you are not already on our mailing list you can subscribe here.

Have a great week and God bless,

Bruce

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