The MEntality and HEart of a Servant

II Corinthians 4:5-7
 
When we think of the term servant or servanthood, it can raise several questions. What is it that causes people to not want to serve? Why is it that some people find it hard to be a blessing to others? Why do we think of serving as being demeaning? What has to change in our mindset that will allow us to be open to becoming more of a servant, not only to others, but to Jesus Christ?
 
There is a difference between a servant's heart and a servant's mentality. When you have a servant's mentality, you may be nice and you can even ask what needs to be done to assist. But you do not necessarily have a heart to serve others. When you have a servant’s heart, you anticipate the need and long to meet the need of others. You do it because it is right, because you have a genuine desire to be a blessing to someone else.
 
II Corinthians 4:5
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
Paul states that "we are servants for the sake of Christ". The message Bible says that we are "messengers, or errand runners for Jesus Christ". This means:

• We should not seek to advance our own agendas, but ensure we preach the message of the cross and the kingdom agenda.
• We should ensure we preach, minister and teach to advance the kingdom and to give God glory.
• We should serve because we want to, not because it is deemed as a requirement.
• To imitate Christ's example and advance His glory.

 
As true disciples and followers of Christ we must be sure to do the same.
 
We must be sure that we:

• Do not seek to advance our agendas, and we must be sure that with every act of servanthood, we preach Jesus. Be sure to change our perspective from ME to HIM.
• We must make it our business to be sure Christ is made known to the world as the Messiah, the Savior of all men
• Advance the kingdom and to give God glory. Paul was very clear about the purpose in II Corinthians: to give glory to God, and despite everything, to ensure people were aware that the excellency of the power is of God and not of themselves.
• We must be sure that we serve because we wanted to. We want to be sure that we move from a servant's mentality, not serving because it is asked of us, but serving because we have a servant's heart, and it is what we honestly want to do.
• We should be sure we met the need of others for the sake of Christ

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When you have a servant’s heart, what are the benefits?
God will acknowledge your faithfulness.
Example of the parable to the men with the talents. For each one who allowed their talent to multiply, their lord answered in this way.
Matthew 25:21
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come.
 
God will bless you above and beyond what you ask.
Solomon regarded himself as a servant when asking God for wisdom. And because of this, not only did God give him wisdom for guiding God’s people, but he also gave him both riches and honor.
I Kings 3:7-9
7 And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.
8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.
9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
 
You will have the honor of God . 
John 12:26
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Let us make every effort to serve God by serving others.