He gave himself, making the ultimate sacrifice–dying–for others; he willingly laid down his life because of his love for the whole world. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…” (Jn. 3:16). Jesus declared, “I lay down my life for the sheep…No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (Jn. 10:15, 18). Christ experienced the “suffering of death,” and by God’s grace tasted death for everyone (Heb. 2:9).
The Lord said he came to serve (Mt. 20:28). Indeed, the Word left heaven, came to earth, took on the “form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:7). So, who is a servant? A servant is Jesus; so to be a servant, be like Jesus.
If you spontaneously do a good deed for others simply because you see the need (Jn. 13:1-20)…
If you humbly sacrifice time, talent, and treasure on behalf of someone else (Phil. 2:8)…
If you detect a need and take action without anyone forcing, begging, shaming, or coercing you to act; you just do it willingly, of your own accord (Jn. 10:18)…
If you joyfully serve for the benefit of others because you anticipate your sacrifice will bless them (Heb. 12:2)…
If you just act like Jesus, going “about doing good” (Acts 10:38)…then you will be a servant! Who is a servant? Are you?
James Cudd Hinton Church of Christ Hinton, OK BULLETINDIGEST.com
