Here is an audio version of this post if you prefer...
Greetings sister servants!
I hope all is well with you in the Lord!
On this post, I am sharing some scriptures and thoughts on being a servant. This will be focused on those sisters who are in situations where they are serving others but could still apply to other situations of course as we are servants in many different ways. (I can only really share from the situations I am most familiar with.)
Titus 2 teaches us to be good and within that would include good works in our serving and being a good witness...being a good servant...not a slothful evil one which is not pleasing to God.
Let us first remember that whatever life we have, we are servants to God first and always!
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Hebrews 12:28
We have been purchased with Christ's blood!
From serving God will come living out the Word in many physical actions...
Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
That's a good example of a woman being a good servant to others!
We see maidservants often in scripture.
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Exodus 20:10
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:38
I like thinking about that...how we are the Lord's handmaidens!
Joseph must have been a good servant...
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.
Genesis 39:21-23
While I don't think any of us sisters are in real master/servant/slave situations that they had back then in Bible times, we can look at and use the scripture commands to actual servants to guide how we live when we are living a life under the authority of others (and even in working a job for pay you could apply similar principles.).
In my situation, of course it's not exactly a biblical servant situation either but many points can be applied from the scriptures for sure. I just have to discern it all and do my best in it. As we all must do, keep testing our lives. I have grown in this and still am and so sharing here will help me also in going through it all and I hope it encourages any other sisters too! We all are commanded to be servants in one way or another!
I will not include all the scriptures that speak about how servants are to live. There are quite a few and you can read some here...Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:22-25, 1 Peter 2:18-25.
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Timothy 6:1
It is important that we who serve do not blaspheme the doctrines of God by our bad conduct. So even though it is a lot of physical work in the flesh and not spiritual works, it is pleasing to God and everything we do is part of our faith life really.
If it doesn't cause us to sin, we can remain in the place where we came to the Lord and not be anxious to leave. And yes it does say if there is a way out use it rather, but that may be less possible for us women than men so we learn to be content to be simple servants where He has called us!
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
1 Corinthians 7:20-24
It is a situation we will need to overcome and grow strong in and not flee (unless we are forced to sin). I am blessed to be given freedom to live out my faith life in my own serving situation. (I serve parents in one place and my earthly sister and four young children three hours away and travelling back and forth often.)
I asked my sisters in Christ for some input on the subject and one had these good points which I will share unedited here...
"DO IT AS UNTO THE LORD
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:22-24
REASONABLE SERVICE
Luke 17:6-10
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. [7] But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? [8] And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? [9] Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. [10] So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
CHRIST WAS A SERVANT
NO GREATER THAN OUR MASTER
John 13:12-17
So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? [13] Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. [16] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. [17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
DON'T WORK YOU DON'T EAT
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
DON'T GROW WEARY
2 Thessalonians 3:13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
ENDURE HARDNESS
2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
BE OF GOOD CHEER
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Another sister shared about how we should rejoice to be a servant! (Thank you for sharing sisters!) So let's remember that when we're going through the same things day in and day out...washing dishes, washing clothes, cooking meals etc. If we do it unto the Lord and know He is pleased with us working hard...that really helps! Then it doesn't seem in vain especially if you're doing it to serve people who don't love Him. And we know how few come to the Lord and while it would be awesome if those or even one of those you serve came to the Lord...you have to leave that to the Lord and just do your part unto Him.
Now here I share some practical points I have found personally in my serving life and other various thoughts. Of course there are more but hope these edify and encourage you in your serving!
*Share the gospel with your 'masters'. If you came to the Lord while being a servant, the 'masters' will see the changes going on in you. And they will see who you are now in Christ and that there will be things you will no longer do (must obey God over man). Yes they most likely will not agree but hopefully they will let you be who you need to be in Christ. And just keep doing the good pure and true things of good works sisters! And if your serving takes you on errands out in the world then that's another opportunity to go out ready with gospel cards etc! And even within your serving you never know who you will meet to give the gospel too if the door opens!
*And you will want to keep being ready to give an answer anytime of the hope we have! You will be salt and light as you go about your serving day by day. Remember you may be the only saint they may see and get the truth of the gospel from, as few are the true saints. You will be a constant reminder in their lives by what you do and don't do, and do and don't say etc.
*Yes there will be many things you will have to work with that you would not have in your own life/home if you could choose. You may have to do laundry of unbiblical clothing and pack up hundreds of children's toys and books (worldly, unbiblical). You may cook with much more than you would for yourself in simplicity. And you will have to draw the line in what you will and won't do by your conscience and the Spirit. We are in this world but not of it. We cannot escape this world (Give to Caesar what is Caesar's also.).
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:15-16
*Don't answer back or argue about what is asked to be done...except if it's something sinful of course where you will say no and why you can't. Of course over time the 'masters' will learn what you will and will not do. Plus you can share more in detail with them (written or spoken) of who you now are in Christ and what you cannot do. (I would advise in writing as then it is written and it can be referred to again if needed and not twisted. Also no one can speak back to you and contradict while you're trying to tell them it all.) You will decide where to draw the line in things (like you won't participate in pagan practices or sew unbiblical clothing etc. Or be spiritually united if they are unbiblical.)
*Do things that are asked pomtly. If asked to do something in the future, write it down so you don't forget.
*Be time conscious. When things need to be done by a certain time...keep watch on that.
*Be proactive and look for things that need doing even if you haven't been told to do them (if you know they would want you to but not things they wouldn't want you to be doing of course).
*Be flexible and not set in what you think you will be doing. Of course many of these things apply to all of our faith life but as a servant you must obey what is commanded, and when.
*Be prepared and willing to do the filthy, smelly, and scary (spiders?) jobs without complaining or making a fuss:-) Don't be prideful in other words. And the Lord will give you grace to do a lot of things you really would rather not do. Set your mind on things above! Just this short world to get through!
*Be humble to be taught and corrected on how things are to be done. And do them as is asked from then on and clarify if you are not sure.
*Be trustworthy and reliable which should build a good reputation for His glory. All this is part of our witness for Christ so it matters! Adorn the doctrine of God!
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Titus 2:9-10
*Work hard and don't be lazy and work in quietness and cheerfulness, minding your own business.
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
2 Thessalonians 3:11-12
*Depending on what type of serving it is, it may well most likely be Titus 2 keeper at home works. So, a lot of what you would use in your own home could apply of being prepared and planning ahead etc and being like the Proverbs 31 woman too. You can look at those scriptures for further encouragement!
*Flesh killing
There will be much of this (as there is in a lot of things). The work environment is not yours to do the way you like so you will need to work with what you have. You will see many situations and issues that could be remedied if Christ's ways were obeyed by others. You just have to do the best you can as well as endure it all. There will be worldliness to bear but that doesn't defile us although it can sure be a trial. Try to look past it to Christ! We're no better and were there once but for God's truth that set us free! And look for times of escape and refreshing to focus on the Lord! Make them or ask for them if needed as it is important of course not to neglect your own faith life as we are to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. I am blessed with ample time in His Word and for online ministry so that is not a problem for me most times.
*And along with flesh killing is the fact that we must submit and surrender to the Lord's will. The sooner we do this the better. And it may be an ongoing battle but we know we must be overcomers in many things! His will be done! Let us be thankful for the truth we have and all our many blessings in Christ!
*We must remember that we are not our own! We don't want to be feminists and want to be independent. What we want, even if it is good, is not always what God wants and has for us as women. We are first of all servants of God and yet free in Him though! God will grow us as we keep standing strong through all things. While you are not working to store up finances for yourself, you are working for food and shelter etc. As the sister shared above, the scripture says if you don't work you shouldn't eat. And you should trust the Lord for the future and lay up treasures in heaven!
*You don't want to be moralizing/judging how things are done around you, as it is the gospel and transformed life that people need. You are there to work. Of course if asked you can give an answer and there's always place for helpful comments at times but the gospel is what changes people. And you will have to live at peace as much as possible. And treat it somewhat in a business like manner and especially if there is biblical separation needing to be going on if the 'masters' are disobedient believers who won't repent. (And you would have already told them the sins they keep which caused you to separate spiritually from them.)
*You can't find yourself thinking about the extra time you're giving to your 'masters' by your help and how they're using it and then thinking it seems your work is in vain. We cannot get away from this world and what they do is on them not on us. We need to do our good works ourselves...heartily as unto Him!
*If it's blood family you're serving and you're spiritually separated, don't be partial for or against them. We learn to see all humans as equal and we get new spiritual family who we will be with for eternity if we all endure. If you're blessed with spiritual family it's important that you are involved with them too.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
*Communicate with your 'masters'...this is important to make sure things are being done in an orderly and expected manner, redeeming the time.
So those are just some random points, scriptures, and thoughts that I have for now! Hopefully they were encouraging in whatever serving work you do, even wives and mothers and such or those serving the saints!
A note here. We do not want to get entangled with serving though to the neglect of spiritual things. Although God commands us to work and be good servants and do it as unto Him, we know the account of Mary and Martha and we need to make sure we are also focused on the Word and also the saints in our lives and serve them also however we can. But it is glorifying to God to do our serving well too! There are many things to balance out in this life and we are commanded to be faithful with what we have been given.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Hebrews 6:10
We will serve Him in a better place and state for all eternity if we endure!
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Revelation 22:3-4
Keep serving, sisters! Look to Christ our perfect Example who served others and gave His own life! God be glorified in all things!
Love in Christ,
Michaela
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