Articles
Servants And Humility
Bondservants of Jesus Christ are people of humility (James 1:1). The Lord gave different gifts for the maturation of the church; some were apostles, some prophets, and some teachers (Eph. 4:11ff). Remember that those who exercised these gifts in the early church were still servants; none were more important than any other member of the body (Eph. 4:16). Attitudes of humility will help ensure the proper attitude about what we are supposed to be as we strive to become humble servants of Christ.
True humility grows out of service to Christ. It is by His example that we serve Him and others. “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, you know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Matt. 26:25-26). When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He was demonstrated service. “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, not is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:15-16). Submission to others, clothes of humility, resistance of pride, and grace to the humble are hallmarks of true servants.
Service to Christ helps us understand the debt we owe to the Savior, a debt we can never pay. Yet, we can, in humility serve Him, ever thankful for the privilege. “In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways” (Luke 1:74-75). These words by Zacharias about his son, John, would help prepare the way for the coming Messiah. John recognized his role as a servant.
Servants yield completely to the will of their masters. Christians are at the constant beck and call of Christ. Our will is to do His will. In this, Christ set the example for us. In the Gospel of John, Jesus made it clear that He and the Father are one. Jesus did the will of the Father. There was complete unanimity between Father and Son. We may not achieve total and complete agreement with our Master, but we must try. He made us; we did not make ourselves. He saved us; we cannot save ourselves. He promises us glory. We have access to Him through prayer (James 4:8).
James called himself a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ; he meant two things. First, he would serve Christ completely, without reservation. And he would be faithful in his work as an apostle. That is what he did. Read the references to James in the book of Acts and Galatians. Then read his letter. Here was a man who was dedicated to faithfulness to Christ in all things. The Epistle of James gives definition to his work. James speaks about trials of faith and temptation, showing partiality, faith and work, and the misuse of the tongue. James 5:19-20 is a good summary of service and humility. “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
