The Purpose of Servanthood: An Act of Honor

In Galatians 5:13, the Apostle Paul shares a profound calling: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." This scripture speaks volumes about the essence and purpose of servanthood through the lens of honor. 

Servanthood is not merely an act of duty or obligation. It goes beyond the ordinary and enters the realm of honor. This is an attribute that shows deep respect for God and His creation. When we choose to serve others, we are not just fulfilling a role. We are engaging in an honorable act. This act reflects the divine command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This act of serving is imbued with honor. It acknowledges the inherent value and dignity of every person created in God's image. 

In other words, to serve others well, we must come from a place of honor. We should show honor as we encounter others. We cannot engage others from a place of bitterness, envy, spitefulness, jealousy, or malice. We must view them through the eyes of our heavenly Father. We should realize that God has made a way for them, regardless of their acceptance of God as savior. He did this just as He did for us. Our service is in response to the love expressed for us all. 

Honoring God through Servanthood 

First and foremost, servanthood honors God. By serving others, we are obeying His command to love and care for those around us. Jesus Christ, our ultimate example, epitomized servanthood throughout His life. He washed His disciples' feet, healed the sick, and fed the hungry. In every act of service, He displayed the ultimate honor towards His Father and His creation. When we follow in His footsteps, we are participating in the divine plan. We honor God's command. We also demonstrate our reverence for His wisdom. 

When you read Matthew 25:40, Jesus acknowledges your kind service to others. It is attributed as though you did it for him. That’s honor and he receives it as honor. Jesus set the standard and the example. As we follow his example, we show him that we have learned. We are also taking up the same charge to fulfill. 

Honoring Others through Servanthood 

Serving others also means honoring those whom we serve. Every person is a reflection of God's handiwork, and when we serve them, we recognize their worth and dignity. We step away from self-centeredness and elevate others' needs above our own. In doing so, we are helping them. We also show that we honor their existence and their unique place in God's creation. 

This act of honoring others through servanthood can be simple. It could be lending a helping hand to a neighbor. It might involve volunteering time to a charitable cause. Another way is offering a listening ear to someone in distress. Each act of service, no matter how small, shows the honor and respect we have for those around us. It is a testament to our values. It affirms that every individual deserves love, compassion, and support. 

Peter and John were heading to worship in the temple in Acts chapter 3. Their path brought them across a young man begging alms. They did not turn away their faces. They did not keep walking, like the priest and Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Instead, they commanded this young man to look upon them. They served him through ministering healing, which was far superior to the money he was expecting. That healing empowered him to become a productive member of society. They honored him by not seeing him as others did who would have neglected him. They saw him worthy of God’s love and compassion. 

Honoring Creation through Servanthood 

Furthermore, servanthood extends honor to all of God's creation. We serve the planet that God entrusted to us by taking care of the environment. We protect wildlife. We also promote sustainability. This broader perspective of servanthood reminds us that honoring God's creation involves being responsible stewards of the Earth. It also involves caring for all its inhabitants. 

God cares for us as much as He cares for the sparrow (Matthew 10:29). Our heart should also be for the habitation that God provided us. It is a reflection of the beauty of heaven. We Honor God when we seek to beautify and make better that which we have been given dominion and authority to care for these things. 

Reflection of God's Honor and Reverence 

Ultimately, servanthood reflects the honor and reverence we have for God's creation. It is a manifestation of our love for Him and His commandments. When we serve others, we are not just performing good deeds. We are engaging in an act of worship. We honor the Creator by loving and serving His creation. 

In conclusion, the purpose of servanthood from the perspective of honor is multifaceted. We let others know that they are valuable. We let God know that we hear Him and are grateful to Him for all He has done for us. We show Him our appreciation. We acknowledge that we don’t take for granted anything that is in our possession. We aim to improve what we can. Let us serve with honor purposed in our hearts.