Serving Towards Holiness
Have you ever notice how God’s gifts to us are freely given but so often lead to action? Salvation is freely given but there has to be faith on our end. Simply put, when someone meets Jesus they are changed; this change causes action. We become servants of God’s - men and women of action. We (you and I) focus upon serving Jesus, or being more Christ-like, and as servants of Jesus we begin to serve our way to holiness!
In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul reminds us of the example set by Jesus. Jesus chose to become a man and give up all the “perks” that were rightfully His. In doing so Jesus takes on the role as a slave; or better said, the position of a servant. (A person makes a decision to serve. A choice is made to take on the job of servant.) In serving, Jesus shows us how to be holy. His example took Him all the way to the cross.
Here is something to think about. Holiness is shown in humbly serving. Our approach to life will be one full of meekness, or gentleness, and saturated in humility. We do not become “doormats”, to be walked all over. On the contrary, we become bold and fearless in our serving of others, following the example given by Jesus!
Take a look at the story of four guys that are so moved by Jesus they are willing to do anything to get their friend in front of Jesus. This story is found in Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:17-26.
“And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.” (Mark 2:3-4 ESV)
Do you realize what these regular guys were motivated to do? Their friend was paralyze and they knew Jesus could help him. These guys had seen and heard of the greatness of Jesus. They had faith in what Jesus could do. This faith caused them to act! (These are regular people just like me and you!) They carried their friend to Jesus. And when the way was blocked with people they were not deterred. Plan B was put into motion - the guys took their friend on the roof and lowered him down in front of Jesus! Just imagine the effort put forth!
I absolutely love what Jesus says to these guys, “your faith has been rewarded”. Another translation words it like this, “they were bold in their belief”. Jesus goes on to heal their friend, both spiritually and physically. Think about the impact this had on all those folks that witnessed this act of serving. When people see humble servanthood in action there is a ripple! Holiness is on display!
Today walk in meekness. Humbly serve those all around you. Allow the holiness that lives inside of you to be on display. Be bold in your belief so your faith can be rewarded!