Hey friends! How was your week last week? This week HOPEFULLY will be a fun, safe week with the 4th on Thursday.
Recently, it has weighed heavy on my heart to do a private bible study about being a servant. I’ll be honest, I knew to serve but the word “servant” was catching me off guard a little. This might sound silly, but I always reserved the word “servant” for those who are in leadership positions in the church; when in reality, I am (or should be) a servant. So let’s talk about it!
Recently, I accepted the position of secretary for the church. When I accepted this position, I wanted to make sure my heart was in the right place and I was adequately serving the Lord, the church leadership, church members, visitors, my family and myself. So, I started a bible study on my own about being a servant. I didn’t expect to learn as much as I have but it has been eye opening. While doing my study, there are 5 traits that really stood out of a true servant.
- Humility
Some people believe being a servant starts with an opportunity. But if you aren’t humble, you wouldn’t recognize the opportunity. Being humble is not something that can be taught nor is ti an acquired skill. Humility is being honest with yourself and those around you. It’s being teachable and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Humility is not thinking less of yourself or a sign of weakness.
- Seeing Needs
A true servant sees true needs. They are usually observant, compassionate, or have the ability to being open to allow people to share their needs. When I am in Walmart, I will talk to people I’ve never met and before long, I know they have been in rehab! People just tell me things. Are you one of those people? A true servant sees other people needs around you
- Compassion
Compassion is the ability to be moved by someone’s need or pain. Compassion is grounded in empathy and the ability to put yourself in their situation. I think the classic role model for compassion is the Good Samaritan. When Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan and robbery victim, he stated the Samaritan, “had compassion on him.” He helped the victim by tending to his wounds and carrying him to a safe place. Compassion leads to serving
- Courage
Man, if you have ever served then you know there are times it takes out of your comfort zone. This could be physically, emotionally or mentally. But a true servant pushes past the fear and uncomfortableness. If you don’t push past it, it can cause you to ignore a need that is happening right in front of you! Listen, self-protection is natural but there are times we have to set that to the side and help those who need us.
- Sense of Responsibility
A true servant doesn’t feel responsible for someone’s pain. But they do feel a sense of responsibility to alleviate their pain. When you follow Christ, this sense of responsibility comes from obeying God. In the Bible, we have time and again God has a soft spot for the poor and oppressed. By serving, you are just an instrument that God is using to heal.
At Spring Creek, I am so honored to say we have SO MANY SERVANTS. Truly. There are so many things I love about our church but one of my top 3 is the genuineness of our people. Everyone is ready to lend a helping hand if needed AND they do it without saying something under their breath! They WANT to help each other. I can’t tell you how many times I have been feeling down or just not myself, and someone will just ask, “You ok?” I know that’s small but they noticed a need.
So this week, I am going to challenge you to examine your servant heart. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How can you use your strengths to help others? Who can you lean on for your weaknesses?
Love you all and see you next week,
Jennifer
