Proverbs 16:2 says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Because the human heart is very deceitful as mentioned in Jeremiah 17:9, we must test our intentions when it comes to others, especially when we say we are doing something for their benefit. I began to ponder on certain actions that we often do in the Christian community in this area and the one that stood out is servitude. In the dictionary servitude is a condition in which one lacks liberty especially to determine one's course of action or way of life: a right by which something is owned by one person is subject to a specified use or enjoyment by another.
Biblically servitude can be summed up as actions that we take because of freedom we have been afforded and to fulfill the whole law of love (Galatians 5:13-14). In Mark 10:44-45, “And whoever be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came NOT to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. So as you can see, biblical servitude does not come from a place where we should expect reciprocity, recognition or an exchange but simply a means to show the power of Christ’s example. Servitude is giving value without receiving valuable consideration for the action, property or time. It is truly a heart check to serve without such! Many say they are doing something God called them to do but then stop when they don't receive reciprocity. But even if you were doing it "unto the Lord" there is no reciprocity because the greatest exchange already happened when Jesus died on the cross, He gave His only Son! The fulfillment in serving in such a manner can only lead back to one outcome; and that is God being glorified, not us.
I was once asked a question that really made me consider the heart of servitude. They asked me, “If I had to suffer to continue doing it, would I?” In the days ahead more than ever they will know us by how we love (John 13:35). And to love the way God requires of us we will need to be selfless, uncomfortable and willing. The only way we can operate from pure motives and serve is that we walk in the Spirit. Daily asking God how we should help, checking our heart to see if we are only helping those we love and praying for everyone is a start. I pray that we grasp hold of the sacrifice to serve and count it all joy knowing that God can use us to change someone’s life through this manner and heart of servitude.
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