“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.”

I Corinthians 9:19

THE MARK OF A TRUE SERVANT

By Jay H. Graham

From the Chapel Glen Church of Christ Bulletin

In the Divine Scriptures we have many examples of servants, and among these men and women are numerous characteristics that made these servants exemplary to us all. Consider Moses. He was a servant in many ways, but one aspect that stands out to me was his supreme humility as is testified in Num. 12:3. We have the example of David and his fire for the Lord. We have the example of Job as the Lord challenged Satan to consider Job (Job 1:8; 2:3), and ultimately it was Job’s patience that led him to overcome adversity and even serve his accusers (Job 42:7-9). We have the quiet confidence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she absorbed the Lord’s startling message from Gabriel to which she said, “Let it be according to your word” in Lk.1:38. And of course we have the many positive attributes of our ultimate example, Jesus Himself.

Perhaps due to my nature and work I find the example of Paul as a servant to be one of the most compelling in the Scriptures. His attitude as described in Phil. 1:19-26 is perhaps the epitome of a servant. The context of this passage entails Paul’s conclusions that he personally would be better off after death. Why? Because his battle with Satan would be over. His trials and hardships as described in 1 Cor. 11:22-33 would be at an end. What would he expect at that point? Peace and rest and of course glorious reunion with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This circumstance would be to his benefit.

But because of his nature as an apostle and a preacher he wanted what was to the best benefit of the brethren, no matter the cost to himself. If that meant he would have to withstand further stoning's and other forms of persecution-- then so be it. As was exemplified throughout his Christian life, he was willing to sacrifice all for the sake of the brethren and church. Why? Be- cause that was his Lord’s example. Jesus did what was best for man at great cost to Himself, and Paul did likewise.

Paul realized that he was needed. Certainly, he could see his benefit to the brethren, in particular to the church at Philippi. It was to their advantage that he remain alive and accordingly it was to the advantage of Christ and His will. It was also to our benefit that Paul was allowed to live beyond his initial persecu tions to be a servant to us today, for if the Lord had chosen for Paul to go home early, we would not have the many letters and admonitions penned by him.

For Paul to remain alive and functioning as an Apostle of Jesus and preaching with his tongue and pen was for Christ’s advantage, for it would help further establish the brethren and churches. And this meant it was to our advantage. For Paul to die earlier was to his advantage alone, for who would benefit from his death? He would. But Paul was not selfish for his own desires and comfort, for he was willing to do what was best for brethren, the world, and ultimately for Christ.