Are you the kind of person who is eager to help when there is a need? Many would likely answer yes. Are you a person who is eager to ask for help? I think that most would likely say no. It is true that we are often eager to help but reluctant to ask for help. I was the same until I had no choice after my back surgery. (I’m doing really well, by the way.) I’ve been so very blessed by the many dear servants who drove me to appointments, vacuumed, washed my floors, fixed plumbing, changed my bedding and even cut my toenails! That takes a big servant heart!

Many in scripture also lived as servants. King David, who wrote many of the Psalms, sought to be God’s servant. He did sin, but when it was pointed out to him, he asked for forgiveness. In one of his Psalms, he prayed, “Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:13 NIV). That is the picture of a humble, servant heart.

Consider also Paul, Timothy, Peter, Jude and James who began their letters by referring to themselves as servants of Jesus Christ. Lydia, a wealthy woman referred to in Acts as Paul’s first convert in that region, was a dealer in “purple,” a cloth for which the area was famous. She was a generous woman who served many missionaries by opening a place in her home for them to sleep and eat when they had need. Mary, the mother of Jesus was indeed a servant as she willingly submitted to the angel’s message that she would give birth to God’s son.

Of course, Jesus is a prime example of one who demonstrated living as a servant. He spoke encouragement and healing to those who were outcasts because of leprosy or social standing. He spoke truth and hope to the women of that day who were considered worse than unworthy. Shortly before his death, he provided what the lowliest household slave should have done by washing the feet of his disciples. (That’s pretty close to cutting toe nails!) Jesus became the ultimate servant as he gave his life so that we might be able to have forgiveness for our sin.

Finally, when it comes time for judgment, some will be commended for their servant lives. “The King will reply [to those who did serve], ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,'” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

If these great men and women, including Jesus Christ the very son of God, lived servant lives, we should be willing to be servants as well. However, it follows naturally that if we are to be servants, there have to be people who are willing to be served! I would offer two challenges. First, let’s look for ways to serve others during this season and beyond. Second, let’s be willing to be served so that those called to serve can be obedient!

I can imagine that someone reading this might be thinking that they are older or handicapped and in need of help themselves so they certainly can’t help anyone else. I would disagree. If you are able to talk on the phone, call someone who is shut in so that they might feel remembered and encouraged. If you are able to smile and say thank you to someone serving you, you will increase their satisfaction in their work. Spend time praying for others. I believe that prayers for one another are among the greatest servant gifts we can give. I pray for you, a joy filled Christmas while serving and being served!