Serving isn’t considered the ultimate career goal. Servants are often viewed as lesser than those they serve because they have not achieved that same financial and/or social status. If we were to conduct a survey of high school seniors, my guess would be that 0% would choose “servant” as their dream job. In spite of its unpopularity as a career choice, it is the very action and attitude to which Jesus calls us.
After the mother of James and John requested prominent positions for her sons in the kingdom, Jesus explained His expectation of them (and of us), “whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20.26-28, ESV). Notice how Jesus set Himself as the example of service. Not one of us is greater than Jesus, so why do we consider serving others as “beneath us”?
To be like Jesus, we have to imitate Jesus. To be clear, this does not require us have to have a worldly career of “servant,” but it does require us to serve others at every opportunity regardless of who we are, who they are, their gratitude (or ingratitude), or how service benefits us. If we look at our service as self-serving (i.e., “this will earn me points with God”), then we’ve got it all wrong. Yes, God honors our service, but remember, we cannot earn our way to heaven. So serve with love. Serve with compassion. Serve because the one you are helping is a soul created in the image of God. When we serve genuinely, like Jesus, His light shines in the darkness of this self-serving world.
Several years ago, two men wrote the verses for a song titled, “Servant’s Song,” based on an earlier work by Jimmy and Carol Owens. The following lyrics inspired the title for this month’s plan:
Make me a servant, Just like Your Son.
For He was a servant, Please make me one.
Make me a servant, Do what You must do
To make me a servant, Make me like You.
Make me a servant; Take all my pride,
For I would be lowly, Humble inside.
Giving to others With all that I do;
In love for my brother, Make me like You.
Make me a servant, Filled by Your might,
And may all my labors Shine with Your light.
Show me Your footsteps And what I should do;
For now and forever, Make me like You.
“Servant’s Song” Tim Jennings, M.W. Bassford
Following in the footsteps of Jesus runs contrary to the pathway of the world. Ask yourself: Am I willing to submit to God in order to become a servant like Jesus?
As we write through the scriptures this month, consider what adjustments you can make in both action and attitude in order to become a servant like Jesus. Begin with prayer and continue with action.
To download a PDF copy of this month’s plan, click the link below:
Got little scripture writers? Download this month’s tracing and copying sheets provided by Sara McBroom:
Drop by the Elihu’s Corner page on Facebook or Instagram (@elihuscorner)! Each day’s scripture is posted along with some reflections on the passage.
Looking for a different scripture writing theme? Check out the Scripture Writing Category to see choose from over 65 plans.
Special thanks to my sisters in Christ, Liz Smith and Sara McBroom, who provide their wisdom and support each month.
Elihu's Corner 