In today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of our purpose. We get caught up in our own lives, our own needs, and forget that God is calling us to something greater.
Today, I want to talk about the importance of being a servant in God’s kingdom. This is a topic that has weighed heavily on my heart, and I believe it’s something we all need to reflect on: God needs servants.
What Does It Mean to Be a Servant?
When we think of the word "servant," it might bring to mind a lowly position, someone who is insignificant, or someone who lacks power. But in God’s kingdom, being a servant is one of the highest callings. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of servanthood. In Matthew 20:28, we read, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Being a servant means putting others before yourself. It means recognizing that our purpose is not to be glorified, but to glorify God and to help others see His love through our actions. It means stepping up when there’s a need, even when it’s not convenient for us. It means being willing to get our hands dirty and do the hard work that needs to be done for the sake of the Kingdom.
The Biblical Call to Servanthood
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who embodied the heart of a servant. Think about Moses. He didn’t feel equipped or qualified to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, but he submitted to God’s will and became one of the greatest servants in history. Or look at Mary, the mother of Jesus, who humbly accepted God’s plan for her life, saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
The apostle Paul, too, constantly referred to himself as a “servant of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1). He understood that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and service. That is the model we are called to follow.
Why Does God Need Servants?
God is all-powerful. He created the heavens and the earth. But in His wisdom, He has chosen to use us—His people—to accomplish His work on earth. God could do it all Himself, but He gives us the privilege of participating in His plan. He needs servants who are willing to answer the call, to step out in faith, and to be His hands and feet in a broken world.
In Matthew 9:37, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The harvest represents the souls that are ready to hear the good news of the Gospel, but there aren’t enough workers—there aren’t enough servants—to gather them in. God needs us to be those workers. He needs us to be willing to serve, to share the Gospel, and to show the love of Christ through our actions.
Servanthood in Our Daily Lives
Being a servant doesn’t always mean doing big, noticeable things. Often, it’s the small, everyday acts of service that make the biggest difference. It’s the person who quietly prays for their neighbors, the one who takes time to listen to someone in need, or the one who volunteers behind the scenes to help keep the church running smoothly. These small acts of service may go unnoticed by others, but they are seen and valued by God.
In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This means that no act of service is too small or insignificant in God’s eyes. Every time we serve, we are serving Him, and He will reward us for our faithfulness.
The Rewards of Serving
Serving God and others brings incredible joy and fulfillment. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing that you are part of something bigger than yourself, that you are making a difference for God’s kingdom. Jesus told His disciples in John 12:26, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
God honors those who serve Him, and He blesses their efforts. That doesn’t mean that serving is always easy—there will be times when it’s difficult, inconvenient, and even exhausting. But God promises that our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). He sees every act of service, and He will reward us, both in this life and in eternity.
How Can We Serve?
So, how can we serve God today? How can we be the servants He needs in this world? It starts with a willing heart. We must be open to whatever God is calling us to do, whether it’s something small or something that feels overwhelming. We must trust that He will equip us for whatever task He puts before us.
Serving can look different for each of us. Some are called to preach, others to teach, and others to serve in practical ways, such as caring for the poor, visiting the sick, or mentoring the next generation. The important thing is that we are willing to say, like Isaiah, “Here I am, Lord, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Conclusion: The Heart of a Servant
At the end of the day, serving is not about recognition or rewards. It’s about having the heart of a servant—like Jesus did—and being willing to put the needs of others above our own. It’s about doing everything we can to glorify God and advance His kingdom.
God is looking for servants. Will you answer the call? Will you be one of the few who step up to gather the harvest and make an impact for His glory? My prayer today is that we will all seek to develop the heart of a servant, that we will follow Jesus’ example, and that we will be willing to serve wherever and however He leads.
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