What is a servant?

Webster's says that it is "one that serves others". The Free Dictionary says it is "one who expresses submission, recognizance, or debt to another". My definition would be one that serves with no thought of theirselves. One who serves and seeks no praise, but the praise of Jesus. One who gives the glory to God alone. Am I that person? Far from it! My sin nature says, "I'll do it, but what recognition will I get?"or "what am I gaining from this?" or "do I really have to?" What in the world am I thinking? Who am I to gain recognition? Who has given me the ability to do all that I do? Who am I to take credit away from the most high God? How dare me? That has been my struggle recently. What is God teaching me? I'm learning so much about what it means to be a servant. I just want the Spirit to continue moving in my heart to change me so that I might be the servant that my God wants me to be.

In reading through some Old Testament verses, I find 3 true servants that stand out:

Moses - It says over and over in many passages of scriptures that he was a "servant of the Lord". You can look at Moses' leadership for 40 years in the wilderness and find that he was a faithful servant of the Lord through the good and bad times.

Samuel - A true servant of the Lord. He listened to the voice of the Lord and obeyed!

David - A faithful servant. Even through his sin and his forgiveness, he proved that he was a servant of God.

In Luke 12:47 it says, "And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating." Jesus is telling a parable about servants preparing for their master's arrival. The master will come on a day and an hour that will not be expected. Opportunities to serve constantly come, we know the Master's will, so BE READY!

Do I fail at this? Oh yes...all of the time! But God has called me to serve and I praise Him for continuing to show me that! Praise Him for his forgiveness and His mercy when I fail!