What Do You Need to Have a Servant’s Heart?

Inheriting God’s kingdom means being a servant of all. We are told to lead a life of servitude in God’s name; that is why the accurate measurement of being a child of God has a servant’s heart. But what does it take to have it?

It’s never easy to serve others in a world where being self-serving saves us from the trouble of going the extra mile. Being taught to live individualistically imbues the mentality of ‘every man for himself,’ which destroys the purpose of having a servant’s heart.

Christians are not exempted from this either because we ought to love others regardless of our hatred towards them. God gave us the command to do so, and we must serve others, including those we don’t like. In a divided culture, genuine love must be our reigning influence so that it will serve as the driving force for Godly servanthood.

There are many resources available that perfectly demonstrate that. The book ‘Servants Heart‘ by Jamie Pulos-Fry shows us that we can each contribute to making the world a better place when there’s so much needed to be done. The good and faithful servants’ relationship is also highlighted because our ultimate goal is for God to commend our ministry here on earth. By being helpful to others with a servant’s heart, we become a valuable tool for our community to thrive in a nurturing way.

How do we become servants with a heart?

Like a job application, we must fulfill specific requirements to qualify. Even in becoming a servant of God, there are conditions that we must meet to be fully equipped to serve the Lord. Contrary to the world’s transactional standards, having a servant’s heart is not selective. It never depends on the receiver. It’s more on the one who will serve.

The Holy Spirit will mobilize your heart to serve others in need by filling your heart with Christ-like joy. It doesn’t even have to be a dramatic transformation of the heart. When His love and character manifest in your life, the rest is easy because Christ is with you It becomes more simple for us to love one another and share each other’s burdens than have conditions in serving God.

There’s also no excuse for us to withhold God’s abundant grace. Remembering who you are in Christ and imitating His humility is necessary when serving others. Humility is the most significant aspect of being a servant full of joy because we are not qualified to serve with arrogance lording over us.

What is the command given?

Once the conditions are met, the question of what to do with them goes. What should the life of a servant be like? What does God tell us in terms of serving others through Him? In following God’s commands, we must do all of them not according to our self-interests. As undeserving recipients of grace, let’s unhesitatingly extend the same grace that God gave.

Being a peacemaker among peers can also be a simple form of servanthood. Practicing kindness towards others, including your enemies, is also a great example of having a servant’s heart. Always take note of the Golden Rule if you’re in a situation that requires you to act. It would serve as a test of your character if you did obey God’s commands without it being for the sake of performatives.

What is our purpose in serving?

Upon knowing what we need and must do to have a servant’s heart, the most crucial part is why we do it. Asking ourselves where our motives come from can be a good way for us to keep ourselves grounded. Sometimes, the praise and adoration we receive from people can get to us, causing arrogance and forgetfulness of the fact that this is due to the grace of God.

Whenever we feel frustrated with someone, and there’s resentment, let us remind ourselves of what God has done for us. After all, He sent His son Jesus Christ as a humble servant to the Father’s will, came down to earth, and gave everything He had, including His life. The opportunity to serve others was due to our redemption, which wouldn’t happen without God’s grace.