The Source of a Servant

I love spring - well, on the two days out of the week when it does feel like the season. I love the crisp air - you know, the yellow air that lingers in your nostrils. Oh, and we cannot forget about tax season (it’s the most wonderful time of the year!). All jokes aside, spring is beautiful. For many, it is the perfect time for reflection and growth. This may look different for each person, but if you are reading this, you probably know that this season is the root of a celebration which stems from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the epitome of a servant’s heart.

What is a servant’s heart? Look in the mirror. When you were created, God knew you were destined for greatness because He made you in His great image. As we mentioned before, Christ is the exact definition of what a servant’s heart should be. If you are a Christ follower, you have the potential of a servant’s heart within you and that is joyous news to hear! However, it does not stop there. For something to blossom and become what it was meant to be, you must nurture it with the truth. 1 John 3:18 states: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Like the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. We can speak but what does that do if there is not a trained heart acting upon our words? Jesus never just spoke words. He acted on those words. With this continual practice, people began to realize that He is THE heart of a servant. He healed the sick, taught all who sought wisdom, guided those who were troubled, and gave the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Because of His selfless act, He rose from the grave and we were made whole again and now live for Him. He spoke the truth, He acted on His truth, and He saved us so that we could glorify Him by following His example. 1 John 3:16: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

God created you in His image and through His Spirit, He has given you all the tools needed to contribute to His work in the world. So how can you and I build our hearts to better serve the Lord and others?

  •  Pray. It is so simple, yet one of the most rewarding practices.

  •  Read the Bible and nurture your heart with fruitful wisdom. 

  • Act. Take your friend out for the coffee you said you would. Text those you haven’t touched base with for a while. Nurture and care for their hearts. God has you in their lives for a reason. 

  • Point others back to the Lord just as Christ’s example of servanthood continually fostered a stronger relationship with the Father.

You are loved, and you are destined for His greatness. 1 John 3:1, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

Laurie Grinnell