What does it mean to be a SERVANT?

Philippines
September 4, 2007 10:21pm CST
Wiktionary defines it as "one who...provides help in some manner." Webster defines it as "a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)." OK, so we all know that. But what does it mean to truly SERVE? I remember a kid in Sunday School who wanted to be a leader and she kept insisting that she be the first in line. She tried to shove all the others out of her way and said, "I'm the leader! I'm the leader!" and told me that's what she wanted. I told her, "Ok, but do you know what a leader really is?" Of course she didn't know so I told her, "Well... a leader is a servant." So she asked again, "What's a servant?" I told her a servant is someone who gives way to others and someone who is always gentle and is not selfish and thinks of others first. It then reminded me of Jesus' gesture in the washing of the feet. May we all be reminded that there is greatness in humility and we serve best when we serve with love, in love. As Jesus has told His disciples in Matthew 20:25-28, "...You know that the rulers of this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many." :)
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2 responses
@DJ9020 (1596)
• United States
5 Sep 07
I'll never forget a story I read years ago in Reader's Digest by a man whose wife had developed Alzheimer's. He wrote about how many years she had taken care of him, their children and their home. Now, it was his turn to take care of her. He wrote about the blessing of being allowed to be her servant, and what he learned about himself. It was a beautiful and touching story, and I try to remember it when I feel that my family is taking advantage of me.
2 people like this
• Philippines
5 Sep 07
I've never felt that my family is taking advantage of me -- not even when I used to take care of paying almost all of our bills. There are times though when my youngest sister can be really such an intimidator and she can get what she wants (like using the computer) by giving me a certain attitude. I must admit there were times when I actually felt kinda inadequate for not being able to give them other things that they needed. I want to know of that story you've read, DJ9020. I think my mother can relate to that because she took care of my dad so well and didn't give up on him even when he was dying of cancer. Do you still remember the title of that story?
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@caver1 (1762)
• United States
5 Sep 07
Amen! It is hard to be a servant because our own selfishness is always getting in the way. It is good to be reminded of Jesus' words. When we think on this it makes serving easier.
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• Philippines
5 Sep 07
You're right on that, caver1! When my selfish pride gets in the way, thinking WWJD reminds me to take a step back. Thank you for your response, happy posting! :)
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