How to Serve Like Jesus: Cultivating a Grateful Heart
Shaped for Serving God - The Purpose Driven Life
Pastor Kent Munsey
March 17, 2024
Introduction
Serving others is a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. It requires a heart filled with gratitude, just as Jesus Himself exemplified. In this article, we will explore the importance of gratitude in serving, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of His disciples. By understanding the significance of gratitude in our service, we can cultivate a grateful heart and truly serve like Jesus.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude lies at the core of serving like Jesus. When we serve with a grateful heart, we acknowledge God's goodness and provision in our lives. In John 11:41, we see Jesus expressing gratitude to the Father, saying, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me." Even in the midst of disappointment and unmet expectations, Jesus models for us the proper attitude to have when serving.
Living in the Tension of Disappointment
As we embark on our journey of serving, we must recognize that disappointment may often arise. People's expectations may not align with our actions, and we may feel inadequate in meeting their needs. This tension can be difficult to navigate, but Jesus shows us the way. He faced disappointment at Lazarus' funeral when people remarked, "If only you had been here sooner." Despite this, Jesus turned to God with a spirit of thanksgiving, acknowledging that He had been empowered and commissioned to serve.
Overcoming the Fear of Disappointment
One of the greatest challenges in serving others is the fear of disappointing them. We may question our abilities and worry that we won't meet people's expectations. This fear can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that even Jesus faced similar challenges. He couldn't meet everyone's expectations, yet He remained steadfast in His service. We, too, must remind ourselves that serving is an honor and a privilege, regardless of our perceived failures.
The Antonym of Gratefulness: Abusive, Mean, and Rude
In contrast to gratitude, the antonyms of gratefulness are abusive, mean, and rude. Unfortunately, these negative traits can often be found within the church, particularly in leaders who have allowed themselves to be influenced by comparing and criticizing others. When we measure ourselves against the expectations of others, we lose sight of the gratitude that should underpin our service. Instead, we become consumed by negative emotions that hinder our ability to serve like Jesus.
"The barrier to gratitude is comparing and criticizing." - Pastor Kent Munsey
Serving with Gladness
The Bible encourages us to serve the Lord with gladness (Psalms 100). When we serve with joy and gratitude, we align ourselves with God's plan for our lives. Second Timothy reminds us that it is God who saves and chooses us for His holy work, not because we deserve it, but because it is part of His divine purpose. By focusing on God's plan and purpose, we can overcome the barriers of comparison and criticism, cultivating a grateful heart in our service.
Overcoming the Spirit of Comparison
Comparison is a common stumbling block in serving. We may find ourselves comparing our abilities, accomplishments, and impact to those of others. This mindset leads to a critical spirit that erodes our gratitude and joy. It is crucial to remember that each person's journey is unique, and our role is to faithfully serve according to the gifts and opportunities given to us. Instead of comparing, we should celebrate the diverse ways in which God works through His servants.
The Heart of a Servant
Romans 14:4 reminds us not to criticize someone else's servant, for it is the Lord who determines their success. As servants of God, our focus should be on fulfilling our own calling rather than judging the work of others. A grateful heart allows us to appreciate and support fellow servants, recognizing that we are all part of a larger mission. When we embrace this perspective, our service becomes a united effort to bring glory to God.
Nurturing a Grateful Heart
Cultivating a grateful heart is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort. Here are some practical steps to nurture gratitude in your service:
Daily Reflection: Take time each day to reflect on the blessings and provisions in your life. Write down moments of gratitude and prayerfully thank God for His goodness.
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Incorporate a prayer of gratitude into your daily prayers. Thank God for the opportunities He has given you to serve, and ask for a grateful heart.
Serve with Joy: Approach your service with joy and enthusiasm. Let your actions reflect a heart filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving others.
Celebrate Others: Instead of comparing and criticizing, celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of fellow servants. Encourage and support one another in your shared mission.
Practice Contentment: Resist the temptation to constantly seek recognition or comparison. Find contentment in knowing that your service is pleasing to God, regardless of external validation.
Conclusion
Serving like Jesus requires a grateful heart. By embracing gratitude and overcoming the barriers of disappointment, comparison, and criticism, we can truly embody the spirit of Jesus in our service. Remember, it is an honor and privilege to serve the Lord and His people. Let us cultivate a grateful heart and joyfully serve, knowing that our efforts are part of a greater plan to bring glory to God.