by David Miller
I know that one of the basic fundamentals that we hear as
Christians is servanthood. We are taught
that to lead we must first learn to serve.
It is the idea of servant leadership.
But what is there about servant leadership that is so important.
First and foremost, it was modeled by Christ Himself and
Peter addresses it in his first book. "Based on the gift they have
received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the
varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, [his speech should be] like the oracles
of God; if anyone serves, [his service should be] from the strength God
provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To
Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen." -1 Peter 4:10-11 (HCSB)
Bottom line -- it is hard to serve others especially since we
live in such a competitive world. What does it mean to serve others? If it had been you in the situation above,
would you have turned to go back? When it comes to serving others as Christians,
there are 4 P's at the heart of serving that God can use in our lives: Power,
Purpose, Plan and Passion.
1. The Power of
Serving: There is power in serving others. Not natural
power but supernatural power. It is not about getting power but giving power.
Many people serve so that they can be served. This is not serving that pleases
God. Power comes through purity. As Christians we are supposed to be different;
set apart for God purposes and ready to be used by Him. In 2 Timothy 2:21-22,
Paul writes, "So if anyone
purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart,
useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee from youthful
passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord from a pure heart."
2. The Purpose of
Serving: The purpose of serving is "For His
Glory" -- that is, God's glory. After we have served others, they should
say, "God is good," not "You are good." The purpose of
serving is to lift the name of Jesus. Period. When we serve, we represent to
the world what Jesus looks like.
3. The Plan of
Serving: The game plan of
serving is simple. Take every gift, skill, talent and ability that God has
given you and use it to serve others. Whatever that talent is, use it for His
purpose. You experience joy when you do
what God has created you to do. It is in serving that we truly lead.
4. The Passion of
Serving: The passion comes from the heart. We know all
about passion when it comes to our school, sports, etc. But do we have passion
to serve. Does it consume us? Do we say, "Who can I serve today?"
Samuel Chadwick nailed it when he wrote these words. "Spirit-filled souls are ablaze
for God. They love with a love that glows. They serve with a faith that
kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They hate sin with
fierceness that burns. They rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected
in the fire of God."
So here are my
challenges for you today:
- Is
there power in your serving?
- Is
there a purpose when you serve?
- Do
you have a specific plan to serve others? Are you using your gifts to
serve?
- Are
you serving with a passion that consumes?
- Is
your serving ablaze for God?
