4 characteristics of true Servants

Read Luke 17.

"If you think you have a servant's heart, how do you feel when you are treated like one?"  That is the real test of humility and servant-leadership.

In that day, many of the religious leaders expected gain from their service, financially or positionally.  Not so with the followers of Jesus.  The true gain for those who are committed to Christ is the opportunity to serve and to help others in His name.

Jesus taught on the subject of humility and service many times, as well as did the Apostles.  Jesus exemplified it as no one else could.  Though He was God, He laid aside His rights as God, "humbled himself  by becoming obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross." (Philippians 2:8)
Here are four things that characterize true servants from verses 7-10.

1. Servants work.
They are not spectators, otherwise they would be fired!  True servants of Jesus Christ are gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve God effectively.  He then opens doors of opportunity to employ that giftedness to further His kingdom.  One of the hallmarks of a healthy congregation is to see themselves as a ministry employment agency for every person who attends.

2. Servants never stop serving.
When one job is over, there is always something more to do.  Some may not be physically able to do what they once did, but the greatest prayer-warriors in most churches are senior adults.  Dr. Crawford Loritts once said, "We get tired in the work but not tired of the work."  We who love Jesus enjoy being involved and look for ways of doing more.

3. Servants listen to and obey their master.
When God called him in 1 Samuel 3, young Samuel responded, "Speak, LORD, for your servant hears."  It is with such eager anticipation that servants of God arise each day.  We live and do what God wants done, not what is self-pleasing.

4. Servants are faithful with their responsibilities.
A servant trusts his master will take care of basic needs and resources.  If the master did not, the servant would not have shelter, clothing and food to do his job.  That is the master's responsibility.  The servant's responsibility is to be faithful with the given assignments.  The true servant of Jesus feels a constant sense of unworthiness to be used of God and, yet, eternally grateful for the privilege.  It is then that we may honestly say, "We have only done what was our duty."

There is great gain waiting for such servants when the work is ultimately over.  Jesus taught in Matthew 6:19-20 that we may store up for ourselves treasures in heaven.  And, in addition, we will get to hear those wonderful words of welcome, "Well, done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master."  (Matthew 25:21)