The Word Illustrated #75
© Pamyla Floyd
07/28/2011
A servant’s heart
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me -- Matthew 25:35-36
Jesus never hesitated to serve His disciples, or thought Himself more highly than others who served along side Him. He beautifully illustrated this, when He washed the disciples feet -- John 13:5. This is a tender act of servitude toward others. A true servant does not seek recognition or the praise of others. They simply want to help (serve), and would rather work ‘behind the scenes’.
They are most satisfied, when others are able to enjoy the fruit of their labor. They prefer to go unnoticed, and are often perplexed, when the act of helping is praised. Although theirs is a ministry of ‘Helps’; it is more a part of who they are, rather than a ministry position. These individuals often speak to and spend time with those others choose to ignore.
When they go grocery shopping, they buy enough to share with others. If they find a deal, their thoughts go to someone else who could benefit from their find. Generally, they do not worry about what others think of them. They only want to do what is right, and pleasing to God. In the flesh, they question why they are the way they are, sulk and will hesitate to serve. This happens when the deceiver slips through the crack in their armour. he tricks them into focusing on themselves and their situation, rather than helping others. he also tricks them into thinking that they should have more than they do.
Their power verse is Galatians 6:9 -- And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Once they confess their sin, and repent to the Lord, they can move forward again unhindered. The servants know their calling, and will do what is right, even if it puts them in a less favorable light with others. We are told to be doers and not hearers only, who deceive themselves James 1:22. The word of God is very clear.
The life of a servant is a witness to others. They are so unusual, that they automatically draw attention to themselves, without meaning to. They are watched closely by others. The way you live, how you give, the way you speak to and treat others, is always being scrutinized. When faced with trials and tribulations, others want to know how you handle things, even those in the body of Christ. They want to know if we are willing to only love and serve the Lord when things are going well.
They really want to know if we believe what we say and do, or if it is just for show. The servant knows how to walk by faith, and not by sight, because he/she knows that what we see are only temporal. More than that, they know that if they are to walk in faith, then they cannot straddle the fence. The opposite of faith is doubt and unbelief. They know that they MUST still move forward with singleness of heart in their service to God, because in the grand scheme of things, all things work together for the good of them that love God, those who are the called according to His purpose.
God bless,
Pamyla
If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com
Reference Scriptures:
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded --John 13:5
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves -- Philippians 2:3
Note: The image is an illustration of a hand holding a beating heart.
