Reflection
The theme for our reflection is selfless service. Selfless service is labour rendered without the expectation of reward or the taint of selfish ambition. It is a work done purely to glorify God and to advance the development and betterment of humanity. Christianity, at its core, is the religion of selfless service. Christ himself is the ultimate embodiment of this virtue, providing the only perfect blueprint for believers to follow. Isaiah 53:1-12 prophesies the coming of a humble, rejected “Suffering Servant” who, despite lacking outward majesty, would bear humanity’s sorrows, be wounded for our sins, and endure punishment in our place. This redemptive sacrifice brought us peace and healing, ultimately leading to Christ’s exaltation by God. Truly, selfless service is the hallmark of Christian discipleship.
The Standard of the Servant-Leader
A servant-leader lives a life that is entirely sacrificial. This is the profound imagery painted by the prophet Isaiah: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way, and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity1 of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6).
This commitment to service is what distinguishes the believer from the world. While the world pursues power for the sake of control, Jesus redefined greatness through humility and service. He told His disciples: “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45).
Examining Our Motivation
Jesus’ teaching stands in direct opposition to the worldly understanding of leadership. Many believe that greatness is found in commanding others, but Jesus teaches that if we wish to change the world, we must lead by serving.
Ask yourself: What is your true motivation for seeking authority? Why do you aspire to be a pastor, a member of parliament, a director, or a community leader? If your goal is merely to secure a high salary, a bungalow, or a title of power, you have missed the mark. A Christian’s ambition must be fueled by the example of Christ. Selfless service is an act of faith; it is rendered to please God rather than for personal enrichment. This applies to every aspect of life—from cleaning the chapel to participating in community clean-up exercises and upholding the laws of the land.
The Reward of the Faithful Servant
We learn from the life of Christ that those who serve God selflessly are rewarded with true greatness. Isaiah reminds us: “Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12).
Furthermore, the writer of Hebrews emphasises that obedience through suffering leads to divine elevation: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10).
Perseverance in the Face of Ingratitude
It can be disheartening to give your best only to be met with ingratitude or contempt. During such times, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He promised us the Holy Spirit to sustain us: “…I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18).
Jesus further encourages us: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12).
Conclusion
Your labour for the Lord is never in vain. Like the Apostle Paul, we should strive to reach the end of our journey with the confidence to say: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown 7of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Let us, therefore, serve with joy, knowing that our ultimate promotion comes from the Lord.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the ultimate example of selfless service found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask for the grace to serve You and our neighbours with pure hearts, free from the desire for worldly praise or selfish gain. When we are weary or discouraged by the ingratitude of people, remind us of the eternal reward that awaits us. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to fight the good fight and finish our race with faith. May our lives be a living sacrifice that brings glory to Your Name. Amen.
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