Not to Be Ministered Unto

by Walter G. Fremont

It’s true. Those in leadership positions sometimes have difficulty balancing servanthood with their God-given authority over others. Many of us have at some time regretted, say, making sarcastic remarks to others or perhaps boasting of our accomplishments a bit.

All Christians have to struggle between serving Christ and serving self, much as Paul admits in Romans 7:15-25. As we teach and make decisions and delegate responsibility, we must always try to do so with the “mind of a servant” and the attitude of helping others.

The Concept of Servanthood

It helps to remember that we were once slaves to sin. But now we are free to serve righteousness (Romans 6:2-10). We become instead bond slaves of Christ, for that freedom is bought with a price (I Corinthians 6:20). To be a bond slave is to follow God wherever He leads and to do whatever He requires (Matthew 10:37-39; 16:24-25). However, even though we submit to Christ’s complete control, we still enjoy the love, blessings, and privileges of sonship and friendship with Christ (I John 3:1-3; John 15:14-15). This unique position should both humble and uphold us.

The Principles of Servanthood

Every dedicated servant of Christ understands that he is not his own. He accepts with joy the conditions of his freedom to serve. He remembers that

  1. God created us to glorify His name (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 2:10).
  2. True greatness is achieved only by serving others humbly and sacrificially, in obedience to and dependence upon the Lord (Matthew 23:11-12).
  3. Persecution will accompany service to Christ (John 13:16; II Timothy 3:12).
  4. Faithfulness to God’s will is lifelong (I Corinthians 4:1-2; Acts 20:24).

Jesus Christ, through His blood atonement and resurrection, is the foundation of our salvation. His example of servanthood is a model for our Christian walk. Christ demonstrated true servanthood, divesting Himself of all but His deity and humbly serving the Father by living among men and ultimately by dying on the cross for our sins. He showed us how to have a truly fruitful life and ministry.

When the trials of our teaching and the tests of our characters press in, let us determine to follow His example: not to be ministered unto, but to minister (Matthew 20:28).