Becoming a Servant

Text: Colossians 1:23b-25 Theme: Servanthood isn’t exactly automatic Key verses: “…I, Paul, have become a servant.” (v. 23b) “…for the sake of the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” (v. 24b-25) What God said to me: Dwayne, good morning. I’m glad you rose early and decided to meet with me. I enjoy my time with you and miss it when you don’t come. Notice how Paul worded his calling in this passage. Twice he said he had “become” a servant. Now, of course that happened as a result of my commissioning him to present the Gospel to the Gentiles. Nonetheless, he didn’t say he was made a servant or that he was commissioned to be a servant. He was commissioned to preach to others. And that necessitated him becoming a servant. The becoming a servant part was his choice. Jesus “took upon himself the form of a servant.” I didn’t make him be one. It was Jesus’ choice to come down to humanity and serve you on a cross. I told Paul to go and preach, and he willingly submitted, understanding that would require a servant’s heart and humility to be truly effective. Dwayne, my son, I have commissioned you to mentor many worship leaders, teach many worshipers and share my Gospel with your neighbors and friends. How you go about that is your choice. Will you do it to honor me? Will you first of all serve others with your gifts and anointing, or will you choose to serve your own interests first? If you truly want to be like my Son, you will take it upon yourself to become a servant. What I said to God: Thank you, my Lord and Savior, my El Shaddai, I humble myself before You and before others today. I choose by Your grace and power to become a servant in my dealings with others. You have already shown me this year that my first and foremost priority is seeking ways to help and serve others. You are already opening doors and giving me creative thoughts as to how to connect people and encourage other ministers. Praise You for allowing me such an opportunity! This whole servant thing is actually quite what it is cracked up to be! But even when it’s not fun and rewarding, I want to still be the servant I am becoming in You – for the sake of Your church…