Living a Life of Service

Jun 27, 2014

A servant shows HUMILITY

The gospel screams humility. Jesus came to earth to be a servant to all: the great, the powerful, the lowly, and the hurting. He came to serve because he LOVES.

Philippians 2:1-11 illustrates Christ’s humility and challenges us as believers to imitate that humility. When we serve others we build our character to look more like Christ, the most humble of all servants.

A servant swallows their PRIDE

Being humble doesn’t come naturally. Our flesh nature is prideful. We were given gifts to use for glorifying our Father, the One who gave these gifts to us so freely. But it can be easy to use them for selfish gain or to seek glory or praise when serving.

Proverbs 27:21 warns that we are tested by our praise.

When our talents are praised, how do we respond? Do we let pride get in the way? Are we looking to bring glory to ourselves or do we respond with graceful humility that points people to Christ?

Pride and truly serving simply cannot coexist. Our character is either full of pride or full of humility. When we live in that pride we stiff arm Gods grace and cripple our ability to be used by Him.

We are called to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). A sacrificial life means choosing to humble ourselves and give ourselves for a greater purpose.

When we live a sacrificial life of service we are living inside the grace that has been given to us. This grace covers us and makes us holy and acceptable in God’s sight.

An attitude of service is our worship. It’s not just our music, our prayers, our speaking, it’s an attitude of sacrifice, “holy and blameless” that is our worship.

A servant avoids FALSE HUMILITY

When we downplay the gifts God has given us, it’s like shouting “I don’t believe in the confidence you have you have given me.”

We are called to be confident in the Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 3:1-6). Yes, our accomplishments are too little. But, we serve a Savior who made us holy and acceptable in God’s sight. Yes, our sin is too great. But, we serve a Savior who is more than enough.

Your Turn:

What’s your biggest struggle? Showing humility, swallowing pride, false humility? What steps can you take this week toward being a more Christ-like servant?