Requirements for Servanthood

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’

And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly. When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’ Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Luke 19:1-10

We are aware that a life of service and a servant spirit are key ingredients for those who seek to follow Christ. We know that, but sometimes the how to is missing. If we will focus on the following five qualities, then we will be well on our way to developing this godly character.

First is awareness. This speaks of being sensitive to those around us. Do we see the needs others are encountering? Do we even know what is going on around us?

Second is availability. Are we tied to our schedules - or is there flexibility which lets us extend our hands to others when the need arises? This speaks of selflessness and an underlying realization that people are more important than things.

Third is acceptance. One of the keys to ministering to people is their sense that your accept them - just the way they are. Friend, that’s how God accepts you.

Fourth is abiding. Know your source - the Lord - and hold to Him.

Fifth is abandonment which speaks of total dependence upon God for everything in life and a total surrender of your life, hopes, abilities, and possessions to the use and will of God the Father.

To be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be a servant of all.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10