Like all things service starts in the mind. Why we do something matters more than what we do. Becoming more like Jesus means developing his mindset, he had the mind of a servant. How do we develop a servant mind?
KEY VERSE
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 NIV
THINK ABOUT OTHERS MORE THAN THEMSELVES
Developing a servant mind means thinking of ourselves less. A servant focuses on the needs of others above their own needs. They are constantly looking for ways to serve. They are humble and don’t seek attention. They let God use them even if it’s an inconvenience.
We are selfish by nature which is why we think of ourselves so often so to become more like Jesus requires us to think of others at least as much as we think of ourselves if not more (Philippians 2:4).
THINK LIKE STEWARDS
A steward looks after their master’s estate. God is our master, and He has given us this earth to look after and everything in it. Developing a servant mind requires us to see our life through God’s eyes and realise our lives are to be lived serving Him looking after His creation. He gave us the gift of life to serve for a set period to prepare us for Heaven and to bring Him glory.
This means sacrificing the things in our life that don’t serve or please God. It is constantly destroying the idols that appear in our lives because we only serve one master, and He doesn’t want to share us.
It is our duty to be faithful to the one who gave us life and saved us through the death and resurrection of His son (1 Corinthians 4:2). It is our duty to be obedient and fulfil the purpose He gave us.
THINK ABOUT THEIR WORK
A servant has no time to compare or compete with fellow servants. They have no time to complain for their work never ceases. Such thoughts may pop up briefly in their minds, but they do not dwell on them.
Developing a servant mind calls for us to leave the pettiness of complaining behind us. Competition and comparison are to become outdated. They do not have a place in the mind of Christ. Like Jesus regardless of our circumstances we must trust God and keep serving.
“What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right.” Romans 14:4 CEV
It is not our job to judge or defend ourselves against criticism we must leave that to God.
BASE THEIR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
A servant doesn’t need to prove their worth. They find their identity in whom they serve, not what they do. Regardless of who their master they consider nothing beneath them and are willing to do serve in way that is required.
We must discover our identity in Christ and take off the lies we previously identified with. Developing a servant mind requires stepping into our God-given identity and letting it shape our actions.
THINK OF MINISTRY AS AN OPPORTUNITY
Servants enjoy helping people. They don’t get frustrated when interrupted or inconvenienced to serve. They gladly serve whatever the circumstance.
For us to develop the mind of Christ, a servant mind, we must find joy in service and see every interruption to serve as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. For Christians serving is the best use of our life. We must learn to serve out of selflessness and a love for God, in gratitude for all He has given us.
“God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people.” Hebrews 6:10 CEV
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Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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