“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)
Have you ever read or heard of someone who was rich and gave up everything and became poor? The only one I have read or heard of doing this is Jesus. The amazing fact about Jesus is that He was, as we would say, ‘super-rich.’ He came from heaven to earth. In heaven, He had many mansions (John 14:2), angels worshipping Him (Hebrews 1:6), and peace, love, and joy (John 15:11, John 3:16, John 14:27). Who would want to leave a home like that to live on earth? Would you?
“No one, except Jesus,” is my answer.
It’s interesting to consider the varying connotations of the word ‘servant.’ I had the privilege of facilitating a youth session in which the discussion centered on making a choice to be a servant. One young man’s initial response was negative.
After some discussion and allowing other responses, another youth said, ‘A servant does what his master says.’ That’s all that was needed. We concluded that a servant is obedient. The important factor that had to be added was that a servant of God must be obedient to the commandments of God. Jesus, while He lived on earth, was obedient to His Father in everything that He did. He said in John 4:34 (NKJV), “My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to finish His work.”
Serving others and being humble is one of the ways to have joy in one’s life. Humility exhibits the attitude of understanding that whatever we have acquired, whatever we have accomplished, it’s only because of the grace of God. Serving God in His kingdom has taught me that He must be the priority in my life. Dependence on the Holy Spirit is absolutely important, ensuring that I know that it’s the voice of the Shepherd of my soul, and then as I move with unquestionable obedience, His supernatural will be performed.
One may not see the results of one’s labour for God in one’s lifetime, but as we serve God, we will see the results of His faithfulness. Serving others in humility gives the opportunity to build capacity in many lives, not only for now but for generations to come. When we serve to bring honour to God, arrogance will diminish. We realise it’s never about us but all about Him.
Read: Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 12:2
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 18:17-24; Proverbs 19:1-2; Romans 14:1-18; I Chronicles 9; I Chronicles 10
