Biblical Servant Hood Part 1 - Serving Self -

You can tell I have a lot to say when it starts out "Part 1."  This is mostly because I'm preaching to myself.  The idea of being a servant is almost a romantic idea in the church, as long as you have control over it.  But we aren't the ones who are supposed to have control over anything. And as God is leading me towards truth, the romance is melting and my flesh is screaming. 

“Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. Sometimes the low and defenseless are served because that will ensure a humble image. True service is indiscriminate in its ministry. It has heard the command of Jesus... "-unknown

Phil 2:1-4 Now if you have known anything of Christ's encouragement and of his reassuring love; if you have known something of the fellowship of his Spirit, and of compassion and deep sympathy, do make my joy complete--live together in harmony, live together in love, as though you had only one mind and spirit between you. Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, but in humility think more of each other than you do of yourselves. None of you should think only of his own affairs, but consider other people's interests also.

Phil 2:3-4  Don't do anything from selfish ambition, or from a cheap desire to boast; but be humble towards each other, never thinking you are better than others. And look out for each other's interests, not just for your own.

 "Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiding. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered. If we stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. Every time we crucify the flesh, we crucify pride and arrogance." -Richard Foster

Remember there is nothing wrong with wanting to be great; we just need to remember the time frame in which we will obtain greatness.  And if we do get greatness on this Earth, we must remind ourselves the point of that greatness, is only to glorify God.  Everything in this life should point others to God, our helper and our only reason for greatness in the first place. 

You know you are serving yourself if you only serve when its comfortable or convenient for you, if its something that isn't a sacrifice for you.  If you only serve out of a motive of recognition or reward, that's self serving.  If you aren't serving with an attitude of love like Jesus would have, again, that is only serving yourself.  Pretty much, if I'm getting more out of it then the one I'm "serving", its probably not the Biblical servant hood that I'm searching for.

 I'm not preaching at you, I'm still preaching to myself, but I thought I'd let you in on my conversation with myself.  This isn't an idea that is easy for us humans.  No one wants to be uncomfortable or required to do more then they think they can handle.  But we are called to run this race to win, and every runner needs to stretch before they run.  No, stretching doesn't always feel good, but the freedom of movement you get after loosening those muscles is always worth it!

Come along and read more in Part 2 -Serving Christ and Serving in Love-