Key Scripture: John 12:26
What does following Christ involve? Following Christ involves becoming a servant of Christ. “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” John 12:26 (NKJV) Jesus called His followers servants. If you are truly striving to be a follower of Jesus – if you are striving to be a successful follower of Christ – you must become a servant. As Christians we should all want to be successful servants of God.
How do you become a successful servant? Here are four steps to becoming a successful servant.
1. Develop a SERVANT Mentality
A successful servant will give of their time, resources, energy, money, expertise, etc. – to glorify God. Jesus becomes the center of a servant’s actions – the center of their motives. The servant’s purpose for living is to please Him. A successful servant gives all that they have – for the glory of God.
2. Have a DETERMINATION to serve
It is not enough just to have a servant’s mentality –you must be determined to serve –you must be determined to help. If you want to be a successful servant of God you must develop a determination to be of help. Give of your time. Give of your energy. Give of your resources. Give of yourself. The scripture says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Have a determination to help.
3. Commit to FOLLOWING God
Every one of us is following someone or something. Some of us listen to friend’s advice. Others listen to the opinions of the so called “experts”. Some of us follow family customs. Or perhaps we follow the accepted social norm. But all of us follow something. A successful servant of God follows GOD. You will never be a successful servant of God if you don’t do what He tells you to do.
The scripture tells us: “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!” James 1:22 (MSG)
4. Start serving WHERE you are
Many people are waiting for the right time and the right place to start serving. Let me tell you: The right time to serve is NOW. The right place to serve is WHERE YOU ARE. The minute you start meeting the needs around you – you become a servant. If you want to find good workers – find people who are working. Good workers – work. The same is true of servants. Good servants – serve.
Successful servants serve where they are. You don’t have to go half way around the world to find people in need. All you have to do is look at the person next to you. Jesus is looking for servants who serve. Someday I’m sure we all want to hear the words: “Well done good and faithful servant, you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.”
