Authentic ServingSample

Faithful in Serving

I want to point out a few things about Jesus’ serving. Above all else, He served faithfully. The concept of faithfulness is mentioned 82 times in Scripture, mainly by Jesus and Paul.

In fact, when we stand before Jesus Christ someday we will be told, “Well done, good, and faithful servant.” That’s the Suma Cum Laude of a compliment from Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness is a pretty simple concept: Constant in the performance of duty. If you’re faithful in service, you don’t give up. You just keep on doing the things God called you to do. 1 Corinthians 4:2 is the New Testament classic passage on this: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Faithful serving is required.

The discipline of service includes serving even when my schedule is full. Look at Jesus’ example of faithful serving in John 13:1. The Passover was the high point in the Jewish calendar. Think Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s all rolled into one. A very busy time. Now, six times in the gospels, Jesus had said His time had not yet come, but John 13:1 says, “When Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father.” His time had come. He is about to go to the cross, and suffer as an atoning sacrifice for sin! And it’s Passover.

How many people would give Jesus a hall pass if He said, “You know, I’d try to take care of you all, but I’ve got to focus on My own program and needs right now. I’ll be in touch.” Now that would make sense, right? He didn’t do that, did He? No.

Here’s the point: Authentic serving is serving even when my schedule is full, even when I’m the busiest, or when I have the greatest demands on me.

Prayer – Father, forgive me for thinking my time is my own. Your Son gave the example for service, and it was to do Your will, no matter what. Help me serve that way too, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.