The Necessity of Servanthood: A Matter of the Heart and Motivation

ion often take center stage, true servanthood is rooted in the heart. It remains anchored in the purity of our motivations. The scripture from Luke 1:74 reminds us that God, "...rescues us from the hand of our enemies, and enables us to serve him without fear..." which encapsulates the divine purpose and freedom we are given to serve God and others. This freedom from fear prompts us to examine the heart. We should also consider the intentions behind our actions. They must align with God's love and grace. 

We also know that Jesus spent a considerable time encouraging his disciples to be different from the Pharisees. The Sadducee often made public displays. Jesus charged his followers to do things in secret. This is shown in Matthew 6:4 and 6. He encouraged acts such as being charitable and praying. While servanthood is a necessary attribute for a Kingdom citizen, it is how one serves that makes the difference. 

The Heart of Servanthood 

True servanthood begins with the heart. It is not driven by a desire for recognition or personal gain. Instead, it stems from a deep, genuine commitment to honor God. It also involves serving others selflessly. This heart-centered approach to service transcends mere actions; it reflects a profound inner transformation influenced by God's love. 

When I think of this type of servanthood, I am reminded. This was the heart and essence of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts of America was founded on Christian values. It was dedicated to training young boys to love and serve with principles. When I was young, we were taught to serve our community and our country with selflessness in mind. It is that character trait that remains a core value in my life. My wife and I instill that same characteristic in our own children, and it can now be seen in them. 

The early church was rapidly growing. During this time, the early apostles faced a challenging issue. It became overwhelming to both dedicate themselves to teaching and serving the people. They asked the people to choose upstanding disciples to serve. This allowed them the freedom to continue teaching the word.  

When our hearts are attuned to God's purposes, our service becomes a natural outflow of His love within us. It's this authentic, heart-led servanthood that God values, as it mirrors His grace and compassion towards humanity. 

Pure Motives and Aligned Intentions 

The motivations behind our service are crucial. Serving with pure intentions means we act without ulterior motives or selfish ambitions. Believers aren’t servants for hire. Even when our service is in the capacity of employment, we aren’t motivated by compensation. Reward is not the reason for our service. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize others' needs over our own. This is driven by a desire to make a positive difference in their lives. 

Luke 1:74 emphasizes serving without fear, which implies our motives are aligned with God's purposes. We often think of soldiers, first responders and other similar type people as those who serve without fear. Yet, Christians live sacrificially. They know that what they do in the name of Christ can come at a cost. They do so knowing that it ultimately brings God glory. This fearlessness in service comes from knowing we are fulfilling God's will. We are free from the need for external validation or praise. It reflects a wholehearted commitment to glorifying God through our actions, irrespective of worldly recognition. 

Reflecting God's Love and Grace 

When we serve with genuine, unselfish hearts, our actions become a testament to God's love and grace. Our service, grounded in pure intentions, acts as a beacon of His compassion and mercy to those we serve. It is through this sincere, selfless service that we can truly demonstrate the transformative power of God's love. 

In serving without fear, we also inspire others to follow suit. Our example can encourage them to examine their own motivations. They can align their hearts with God's purposes. This fosters a community of authentic, heart-driven servants. 

Conclusion 

The necessity of servanthood lies in the heart and motivation behind our actions. As Luke 1:74 reminds us, we are called to serve without fear, with our motives aligned with God's divine purposes. True servanthood starts with a sincere desire to honor God. It involves helping others, without needing recognition or personal gain. It is through this heart-led service that we reflect God's love and grace. This makes a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. 

Embrace the calling to serve with pure intentions. Let your actions reflect God's boundless love and grace. In doing so, you will fulfill the true essence of servanthood, making a profound difference in the world around you.