Developing A Servant’s Heart

Developing a Servant’s Heart

To serve means someone is involved in or engaged in an activity. Christians are called to be servants: John 12:26 (NIV)

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.

As we serve and as we follow we must shine in this world. As Christians our hearts must be set on GO! How do I serve? Let’s look to Jesus as our perfect example.

1. To serve we must first make ourselves aware of the need. Jesus was always fully aware of the need, He taught, traveled and preached.

Mark 1:21 (NIV)

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

Mark 1:39 (NIV)

39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

If we are going being Christ like we must be transformed into Christians who go out into the world passionately seeking those in need.

2. To serve intently we must be willing to sacrifice regularly.

Mark 1:32-34 (NIV)

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Don’t you think Jesus was probably tired, needed a break, wanted some quite time. Maybe He wanted to quietly sit down and eat and talk to His disciples. WHAT HAPPENED? The whole town showed up!

Mark 2:1-2 (NIV)

2 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

Jesus could have easily said tell them to go home. I’m tired, I need time to recharge, I need some time for myself.

We all work hard every day many of us chase children to different events, we have yardwork that must be done, jobs and families that require our attention. Do we make time in our busy schedules for spiritual activities? Who will step outside the box and be ready to volunteer to teach class, help with VBS, host or attend programs for youth or fellowship. I don’t have enough time!

3. To serve intently we must be willing to sacrifice regularly, to go where God calls us and serve when God calls us to serve!

Mark 1:35-39 (NIV)

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Jesus’s schedule was hectic He got up early for intentional prayer time and then off He went! Christians must look to Jesus when we decide to prioritize our lives with commitments. Jesus not only went about preaching, teaching and doing good, but He did it with compassion and love.

A lady says:

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called "Smile."

The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought,

this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.

I did not move an inch...an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling". His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally deficient and the blue eyed gentleman was his salvation.