Thoughtful Things

The definition of Servant: a person in the service of another; retainer, handmaid, handmaiden.

The word “servant” does not strike a popular cord among most of us. Yet, being a servant is exactly what Jesus came to do. Matthew 20:28 NKJV “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus did not make his own decisions; he was told what to do and when to do it. Jesus was obedient to His Father’s plan. We, too, should consider following his example.

A true servant has a heart of gold. Someone who looks out for the interests of others, who goes beyond what most would do to help in time of need, who obey those that are in authority, and works diligently for the kingdom of God is considered a servant. A servant listens to his master(Pastor) and follows directions well because, in the end, he/she knows the master(Pastor) is usually right, and the master’s (Pastor) directions and guidance are led by God and come from much prayer and fasting.

Ephesians 6:5 “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ.”

It reminds me of the story about the little chicken that wanted help planting the seed, working the garden, sowing the wheat, baking the bread, and yet everyone was too busy to help in the process...However, when the time came to eat the bread, everyone wanted to come and eat.

That is the same as it is today in working for the kingdom of God, you have those with a servant’s heart that works and labors tirelessly, and then there are those who are not willing to work in the field. We all want to reap the reward of heaven someday, and the field is ripe unto to harvest, but he laborers are few.

The Bible tells us that all efforts are rewarded even if some are greater than others; Ephesians 6:8 “Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.”

Matthew 20:1-16 (King James Version)

1 1For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise.

6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7 They say unto him Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

13 But he answered one of them and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst, not thou agree with me for a penny?

14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am good?

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

And just like in the parable above, we all are laboring for the kingdom of God, and some labor harder and longer than others; we may not see that reward here on earth, but one day when God calls His church home, we will be rewarded accordingly.

1 Corinthians 3:8 “and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.”

I encourage you to please make yourself available and allow God to use you in whatever aspect it may be; Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;”