The Heart of a Servat
A while back, I had the privilege of participating in a funeral of an elderly man. This man had lived 85 years and was loved by many. He had served his country faithfully in World War II. At the graveside, there was a 21-gun salute, a lone bugler played taps and the family was awarded the flag that draped his coffin. This in and of itself is nothing unique. It has been played out hundreds of thousands of times throughout our nation’s history.
While I was listening, I was reminded, this very ceremony – the very words were spoken to my grandmother when my grandfather was returned home after loosing his life fighting in the Battle of the Buldge in Germany. In my office, I have the flag that draped his coffin, the medals that were awarded to him and I am reminded of the great price both he and our country has paid
Five Qualities of a Servant’s Heart
THE HEART OF A SERVANT IS HUMBLE – What is humility? Humility is not denying your strengths. Humility is being honest about your weaknesses. Humility is when you’re so focused on serving other people that you don’t even think about yourself. “All of you must put on the apron of humility to serve one another. For God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
THE HEART OF A SERVANT IS COMPASSIONATE AND LOVING – Sympathy is when you say, ‘I’m sorry you are hurt.’ Empathy is when you say, ‘I hurt with you.’ But compassion is when you say ‘I’ll do anything I can to stop your hurt.’ In Matthew, chapter 9, the Bible says that Jesus was filled with compassion.
THE HEART OF A SERVANT IS OBEDIENT – A servant obeys God, not out of convenience, but conviction. A lot of people want to serve the Lord if it’s convenient, but a real servant will serve the Lord from conviction. “The one thing required of a servant is that he be faithful to his master.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
THE HEART OF A SERVANT IS NOT SELFISH – A servant will put others before himself. He will relinquish his rights in order to serve others. It was once said that the true way to joy in our lives is Jesus first, Others second, You (ourselves) last. “Jesus gave up everything and became a slave when He became like one of us.” Philippians 2:7
THE HEART OF A SERVANT ENCOURAGES OTHERS - A true leader will build up those around him. A true leader makes those around him better people with his words, actions and reactions. “Encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Serving others is very important; but remember, it starts at home.
