"The Attitude Of A Christ-Like Servant" Series

As we have looked to verse 24 previously, we focused the priority of discipleship and on how our church is obligated to be intentional in making disciples and every believer is obligated to be intentional about growing as a disciple. If we seek to be a disciple and a disciple-maker, we will be blessed and be a blessing. It is on this that I want us to now focus our attention as we think about the priority of ministry.

The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that the sincerity of my discipleship will be evidenced by my ministry to others. Those who are spiritually mature, demonstrate their maturity through serving others in Jesus’ name. In fact, serving others is one of the greatest evidences that I am growing to become more like Christ.

“You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,” he said, “and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served - and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.” - Mark 10:41- 43 (The Message)

In our passage for today the writer of Hebrews touches on two things associated with you and me being involved in ministry to others in a way that honors Christ. He first speaks of the attitude of a servant and then of the activity of a servant. Today, let’s think together about the attitude of a Christ-like servant - love.

Our attitude toward service will determine whether or not we have joy in service. Our attitude toward service will determine whether what we are involved in by way of service is a job or a ministry.

Some people have a job in church. Others get involved in a ministry. What’s the difference?

If you’re doing it because no one else will, it’s a job. If you’re doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry. If you’re doing it just well enough to get by, it’s a job. If you’re doing it to the best of your ability, it’s a ministry. If you’re doing it so long as it doesn’t interfere with other activities, it’s a job. If you’re committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry. If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it’s a job. If you stay with it even though no one seems to notice, it’s a ministry. If your concern is “success,” it’s a job. If your concern is faithfulness, it’s a ministry. It’s hard to get excited about a job. It’s almost impossible not to be excited about a ministry! If God calls you to a ministry, don’t treat it like a job. If you have a job in church, give it up and find a ministry. God doesn’t want us feeling stuck with a job but excited and faithful to Him in a ministry.

A proper attitude in ministry is expressed . . .

1. In love for the Lord.

We should be motivated to serve out of love for the Lord. As we grow in our appreciation of His love for us, we grow in our love for Him and express that love through service to others.

“We love each other because he loved us first.” - 1 John 4:19 (NLT)

“For Christ’s love compels us . . .” - 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV)

In all we do, we should do our best out of love for the Lord and a desire to bring glory to His name.

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).”- Colossians 3:23-24 (Amplified)

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that the hosts of heaven will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’” - Anonymous

Serving out a love for God and desire to honor Him always brings joy!

“Trying to work for God without worshipping God results in joyless legalism. Work minus worship magnifies your will power not God’s worth. If you try to do things for God without delighting in God you bring dishonor upon God. Serving God without savoring God is