The Purpose of Servanthood: As an Act of Gratitude

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to lose sight of the true purpose of our actions. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about success, wealth, and status. But what if we paused to reflect on a different perspective, one rooted in gratitude and servanthood? 

Matthew 6:24 reminds us, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This powerful scripture calls us to examine where our true devotion lies. Are we serving material wealth and personal gain, or are we serving God and His purposes? 

Gratitude as Our Motivation 

Gratitude should be a driving force behind true servanthood. When we recognize the countless blessings we’ve received from God—our health, relationships, and opportunities—we feel thankful for them. Even the seemingly small moments of joy contribute to this feeling. This gratitude naturally propels us to give back and serve others. 

Gratitude changes our perspective. We feel that we get to serve rather than having to serve. It’s a sense of opportunity versus a sense of fulfilling a task-like chore.  

Imagine waking up each day with a heart full of gratitude. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we see the abundance of blessings around us. We stop focusing on what we want to achieve for ourselves. This shift in perspective changes everything. We become more aware of the needs of those around us. We feel inspired to serve, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love. We appreciate what we’ve been given. 

Gratitude can be the difference between having a sense of appreciation and a sense of entitlement. 

Creating a Heart of Generosity 

Gratitude has the incredible ability to shift our focus from ourselves to others. When we’re grateful, we’re more likely to notice the struggles and needs of those around us. Our hearts become attuned to acts of kindness and generosity. 

Consider the example of someone who has experienced a significant blessing, such as a miraculous healing or financial provision. Their gratitude for what they’ve received often leads them to help others in similar situations. They understand the impact of God’s goodness in their lives and want to share that with others. 

There was a time when my wife and I struggled financially. We were not earning enough due to a serious downturn in the economy. We had to rely on food banks and the kindness of others. We’ve always been generous and caring but that moment made us more grateful. It prompted us to give back through volunteering during the holidays. Knowing that holidays can be quite difficult for families, we wanted to be a source of hope, help and healing. 

By serving others out of gratitude, we cultivate a heart of generosity. Our actions become a reflection of God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. We acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from Him. In turn, we extend that love and generosity to others. 

Acknowledging God's Goodness 

The scripture that says, “to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48),” takes on a new meaning. It becomes much more profound. This happens when you experience God’s grace and mercy. When we serve out of gratitude, we are actively acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. It’s a way of saying, “Thank you, Lord, for all that you’ve done for me. I want to share your love with others.” This act of servanthood becomes a testimony of God’s grace and provision. 

As we serve, we draw closer to God. We begin to understand His heart for humanity. We see His desire for us to be His hands and feet in the world. Our relationship with Him deepens as we live out our gratitude through acts of service. 

In conclusion, the purpose of servanthood as an act of gratitude is a beautiful and transformative journey. It’s about recognizing the countless blessings we’ve received from God and responding with a heart full of thankfulness. When we serve others, we shift our focus from ourselves to those around us. This creates a ripple effect of generosity and love. And ultimately, we acknowledge and honor God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. 

Let’s embrace gratitude as our motivation to serve and watch how it changes us and the world around us.