Christian servanthood is given to us by example throughout the entire Bible revealing a wonderful lifestyle filled with blessings and opportunities to see lives changed as never seen before. Living out our perception of how Christ lived, as a servant to others, is the ultimate example after which we ought to fashion our lives. When we figure out what it means to lead by serving, this is when we truly understand what servanthood was meant to be.
We have been shown how to lead by people who gave examples of serving throughout many different generations and in many ways. Servanthood in the Bible is shown through numerous examples of both women and men, both in the Bible and in the church's history; people such as Dorcas who sewed garments for the poor, and Martha who served almost to a fault, or Paul who gave an entire life in service spreading the gospel of Christ whom He met years after He had ascended to Heaven. These and many others showed what it meant to do good deeds of kindness, sacrificing personal time and resources for others without ever expecting to be repaid. But it all started with the life of Christ - the one who has shown us the meaning of a true servant. Jesus took the form of a servant, while proclaiming the status as the Son of God the whole time, choosing to serve rather than be served. This is the example that we ought to live our lives after; the embodiment of Christian servanthood. When He washed the disciples feet, we saw what a Christian attitude is supposed to be - humbling oneself, disregarding status, and meeting the immediate needs of others. When Christ would show up at tax collectors homes or take the day to spend with unlovely or undesirable people, we saw the Christian example we are to embody in action.
The beautiful thing about Christ is His leading by example and showing the true life of servanthood. Servanthood in the Bible meant putting others before oneself no matter what. At no time did Christ proclaim himself better than anyone else, although on every occasion the heart of Christ showed others what is meant to truly 'love'. No one could deny that the servanthood of Jesus because they saw it every day. Our lives can become much more meaningful and with purpose if we are willing to give our whole selves to the service of the Lord without looking back. Only then can we truly experience the abundant life God has for us. For more insight into God's plan for us, visit these Bible resources.
This godly lifestyle must be considered as something incredibly important. Christian servanthood can manifest itself in our daily lives if we are willing to lead by serving. We must show others the example shown us in the Bible and how it can be lived out in today's world. When we become godly servants, we must look past ourselves and see only the Lord. Our focus must be in the right place. Only then can we truly experience what the Lord has for us in serving.
We need to look at the Lord to see where we are being led us as we seek to live such a life. Only when we get our focus correctly, will we be able to see who He is with a greater understanding. He will show us how to completely deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. When we do that, he will lead us to a place of peace and contentment in any circumstance. The Lord can show us what we need to see by His Spirit, who will provide the understanding of who he is and how we can use our personal spiritual and physical gifts so we can more effectively serve others. We can do small things of serving others by simple things such as taking time to speak to or provide them with a meal. Sometimes giving someone time to talk and be listened to or even just sitting with them are some of the greatest ways that we can honor the Lord by serving.
Christ is the best example of demonstrating Christian servanthood the way it is meant to be in God's eyes. Being a true servant is seeing people as opportunity for a relationship rather than just as needy people we walk by every day. Being able to see them with Christ's eyes will show them His presence within the depths of our hearts. Serving others is one of the most effective ways to lead them to the Lord. Many forget or ignore this command of the Christian life, but it is best to show others Christ through actions rather than words. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:3-5,7).
