Tue 15 Aug 2006, 02:44 PM
If anyone wants to serve (diakonēi) me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant (diákonos) will be too. If anyone serves (diakonēi) me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:26 NET, Greek words added)
The words for serve and servant here are interesting. The words are commonly translated into English throughout the New Testament as serve/servant, minister/ministry, and deacon. They could also be translated attend/attendant. Thayer's Greek Definitions defines the noun as "one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister."
Do you want to serve Jesus? Follow Him as your Master. If you are His servant, you'll be at His side ready to do as He asks and you will be honored by the Father.
Is your ministry where Jesus is at work? Did He lead you there? Do you continue to seek his leading each time you serve? Make it your aim in your service to submit yourself to his command as Your master.
Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. (Ephesians 6:5-8 ASV, emphasis mine)
This is the first entry in a series on service. Go to the next installment of this series, What Does God Want You to Do with Your Gifts? Also be sure to check out the guide entitled "Finding a Ministry that Fits".