GOOD SERVANT OF GOD

GOOD SERVANT OF GOD

Jesus took seriously the command from Deuteronomy to worship the Lord your God and serve Him only. (Luke 4:8) This parallel command strikes me as interesting in that worship and service go hand and hand. When I worship God I am also called to serve Him. What does it mean to be a servant of God? How should I serve Him? In answer, three attributes of servant hood come to mind. 

As a servant of the Lord, I must be available to be used by Him in the service of His kingdom. Like the boy with the five barley loaves and two fish, my meager resources often seem insignificant to meet the needs of Gods people. But like the boy who made his lunch available to Jesus (John 6:1-14), I ve found that when I offer my meager resources, GodS grace multiplies the blessings to others. The young boy willingly gave his lunch and Jesus took the unselfish offering and used it to feed thousands

What does God ask of me? As his servant and steward I find myself called to offer the resource he has entrusted to me, be it finances, time, energy, intellect, a listening ear or an encouraging word. An important aspect of availability is maintaining margin in my schedule so that when the Lord calls me to service I can freely answer. If I overbook my schedule with work or activities, even with good things, I may find myself weighed down and exhausted when God given opportunities arise.

A faithful servant is not only available but also alert and watches while waiting for the bidding of the master. I must listen for His voice and follow His lead when He calls me to a need or area of service. Careful study of the Word and regular prayer nurture an attitude of watchfulness and awareness. The call of the Lord is not always obvious, but I ve found Him faithful to reveal His will over time. 

A watchful servant employs patience. Jesus used the following parable to encourage this attitude in his disciples as they wait for His promised return."No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. 

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"