The Heart of the Matter

Have you ever done something for someone else where you felt that you were doing some good, but then it was never acknowledged? You feel let down or snubbed in a way? We have all felt that somewhere in life because we are human. But our humanity often misses the point of servanthood. Serving others is about more than just being thanked or acknowledged. Truly finding the heart of a servant is becoming more like Jesus in our everyday lives. Paul wrote a letter to the Philippian church encouraging them to do the same in their own journey.

He writes that in your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 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 of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8)!

Jesus was God in the flesh, but he did not use that as an advantage to hold over others or expect something in return. He lowered himself to serve, without expectation. It didn’t change who he was… His service made the message stronger and more clear. The same holds true for us. Servanthood does not nullify leadership; it defines it. Jesus does not cease to be the Lion of Judah when He becomes the lamblike servant of the church (John Piper).

The heart of our service defines the heart of who we are. It reveals our motives, our growth, and our leadership. That is the heart of the matter… That all we say and all we do should point to the One that showed us the way. In our walk, do we truly say, Lord, I give my life. A living sacrifice. To reach a world in need. To be your hands and feet. So may the words I say and the things I do. Make my lifesong sing (Casting Crowns, Lifesong).
 
Is the song of our life one that reflects the nature of Jesus Christ?