"Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, 'Master, you wash my feet?' Jesus answered, 'You don't understand now what I'm doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.' Peter persisted, 'You're not going to wash my feet—ever!' Jesus said, 'If I don't wash you, you can't be part of what I'm doing.' 'Master!' said Peter. 'Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!' Jesus said, 'If you've had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you're clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you're clean. But not every one of you.' (He knew who was betraying him. That's why he said, 'Not every one of you.') After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table. Then he said, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as "Teacher" and "Master," and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.'" John 13:3-17 (The Message)
"Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)
"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! " Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
Are these two words at opposite ends of the spectrum in your mind, "Servant" and "King"? The definition of "King" according to Merriam-Webster is "one that holds a preeminent position; especially : a chief among competitors" or "a male monarch of a major territorial unit; especially : one whose position is hereditary and who rules for life". The definition of "Servant" is much different. A "Servant" is "one that serves others, especially: one that performs duties about the person or home of a master or personal employer". One that serves and one that rules do not seem to be part of the same title and yet with Jesus, they are.
Jesus had need of nothing! He reigned over the universe, had all the praise and glory due Him, and yet He did not consider equality with God something to be selfishly held on to. Instead of thinking of Himself and what position He had held and what He deserved, He knew that the priviledges He had could not be kept for Himself. He knew that they had to be used for the good of others. Jesus didn't think of Himself; He thought of others, He thought of you. The mindset of Christ Jesus was not Himself, it was us.
We must have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. We must think of others but not only should we "think" of others, we must "serve" others. Jesus emptied Himself and laid aside His godly attributes, He became flesh (a man) and dwelt among us, He became a servant, and He took His body to the cross as a sacrifice on our behalf. I loved the way this was put, "From heaven to earth, from glory to shame, from Master to servant, from life to death, even death on the cross!" We have not yet resisted sin to the point of shedding blood as it says in Hebrew 12:1-4 (ESV), "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."
Most people are willing to serve others as long as it doesn't cost them anything. If it could be difficult or could result in some loss of their own, they no longer want to serve. Dr. J.H. Jowett has said, "Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing." The mindset of Christ is sacrificial love. The person with the mindset of Christ does not avoid sacrifice. That person lives and serves to bring glory to God and good to others regardless of the cost. And as W. Weirsbe says, "If paying a price will honor Christ and help others, then he (she) is willing to do it."
An odd truth of the Christian life is that the more we give, the more we receive. The more you serve the more God pours out His blessings on you and your ministry. You have heard it said that "you can't out give God"? In Luke 6:38 it says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This is why the mindset of Christ leads to joy when love is the motive. That person lives, serves, and sacrifices for others and brings glory to God. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV).
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
Dear Lord, Please give us the heart of a servant willing to sacrifice, thinking of the good of others, motivated by bringing You glory and shining Your light.
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