Matthew 20:27-“…and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant”.
Matthew 23:11-“The greatest among you shall be your servant”.
The question must be asked: Can a leader be a servant and can a servant be a leader?
In order to answer the question, one must answer the following question: What is a servant?
A servant empties himself of pride.
A servant doesn’t have to talk about himself but lets others talk.
A servant doesn’t have to control a conversation in a group of people.
A servant isn’t jealous.
A servant isn’t greedy.
A servant isn’t malicious.
A servant isn’t slanderous.
A servant doesn’t exalt himself.
A servant doesn’t need to be recognized for what he does.
A servant doesn’t need to promote himself.
A servant doesn’t need to be the first in line and is actually glad to be the last in line.
A servant doesn’t expect other people to serve him but looks for ways to serve others.
A servant understands that the rules apply to him just as much as they apply to everyone else.
A servant wants to be lowly.
A servant knows that he has no rights and expects no special privileges.
A servant wants to be crucified and wants to die to the flesh.
A servant doesn’t brag on himself.
A servant doesn’t need to impress other people.
A servant is glad when he is treated like a servant not just when he is called a servant.
A servant isn’t hurt when he is forgotten or overlooked.
A servant refuses to let anger rise in his heart and refuses to defend himself when his good is evil spoken of, when his wishes are ignored, when his advice is disregarded, and when his opinion is ridiculed, taking it all in patient, loving silence.
A servant doesn’t itch after commendation and truly loves to be unknown.
A servant rejoices, feels no envy, nor questions God when he sees others around him prosper and their needs being met while his own needs are far greater and in more desperate circumstances but yet to be fulfilled.
A servant lovingly and patiently bears any insensitivity and annoyances from other people.
A servant humbly submits inwardly and outwardly when he receives correction and reproof from someone and allows no rebellion or resentment to rise up within his heart.
A servant doesn’t think more highly of himself than he ought to and considers every person in his life a special gift of God, created by Him for a special purpose.
A servant is content with the level of God’s provisions of his financial, physical, and spiritual needs and trusts His Master to always take care of everything he needs.
And, finally, because he understands that the heart of Jesus lives within him, the servant knows that his humility and his lowliness are his gifts to the kingdom of God.
What is a servant?
Ah, now, that is something you will have to decide for yourself.
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Some of this is original material and some of it is adapted from: “Dying To Self” by Gene Warr, Video Tape, Wise Investments, Copyright 1977, International Evangelism Association. Gene Warr was a great preacher and teacher who is now enjoying the presence of God in heaven. You can listen to his messages and view some of his studies at: http://www.discipleshiplibrary.com/gene_warr.php and more biographical info at: http://www.discipleshiplibrary.com/pdfs/gene_warr_more.pdf
