Cultivating a Servant’s Heart: Serving Others as Christ Did.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why getting out of your own head and serving somebody else feels so fulfilling? It's something that goes deeper than simply doing a nice thing for someone. I think it's because when you serve, you’re living out something God put deep in your heart. Jesus Himself said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45, NIV). If Jesus, the King of Kings, made serving a cornerstone of His mission, how much more should we?
All that said, I know that serving doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. But when you embrace a servant’s heart, you’re not just helping others; you’re being transformed to look more like Christ. How often do you get caught up in your own plans and overlook the opportunities to serve those around you? I know I do.
Maybe today is a good time to ask yourself: What does it mean to serve like Jesus?
When I think about Jesus’ example, I’m reminded of the time He washed His disciples’ feet. It’s always been hard for me to even imagine, the Son of God, humbling Himself to do something that was reserved for the lowest servant in the house! But Jesus didn’t hesitate. He gave them—and you and me—a model for humility and service (John 13:1-17). When’s the last time you humbled yourself to meet someone else’s need?
The beautiful thing that I’ve learned about serving is that it doesn’t really require big, grand gestures. A listening ear, a kind word, a helping hand—these are all small ways you can live out the servant’s heart Christ modeled. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." How different would our world look if we all embraced this mindset?
But there’s the rub— being humble and selfless isn’t necessarily in our nature is it? Looking beyond ourselves is a behavior that can only be learned from Jesus. I know that sometimes it feels like my schedule is just too packed to add anything else, let alone serve. Here’s the thing though: when you prioritize serving others, it reshapes your heart. Instead of draining you, it fills you up in ways you never imagined.
So, how is God calling you to serve today? Maybe it's a neighbor who needs help with their groceries, a friend who’s struggling, or even a family member who needs encouragement. Ask the Lord to show you those opportunities, and He will.
Call to Action:
Let’s commit together this week to find one specific way to serve someone around us, just like Jesus did. Maybe it's something small like buying someone a coffee, offering to pray for a coworker, or sending an encouraging note to a friend. Whatever it is, let’s make it intentional. Then, take some time to reflect: How did it impact them? How did it impact you?
As we step out in service, let’s remember that it’s not about us—it’s about reflecting Jesus’ love in a world that desperately needs it. Let’s walk forward in humility, knowing that when we serve others, we serve the Lord.
