Commitment to Serve

Matthew 20:28

Jesus also stated, "Yet I am among you as the One who serves" (Luke 22:27). Paul believed in serving others much like our Lord did, as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:5, "...ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake." We somehow have the idea that a person called to the ministry is called to be different and above other people. Jesus Christ teaches that one should act as a "doormat" for others, serving as their spiritual guide without asserting superiority over them. Paul stated that he knows how to endure humiliation. Philippians 4:12 Paul's concept of service involved dedicating his life completely to helping others. Whether he was praised or criticized had no impact. Paul felt a sense of obligation to serve any individual who had not yet been introduced to Jesus until they did come to know Him. Paul's primary reason for serving was not love for people, but love for his Lord. Devotion to the cause of humanity may lead to swift failure and disappointment due to encountering significant ingratitude from others. If our actions are driven by our devotion to God, no level of ungratefulness will prevent us from helping each other.

Paul's comprehension of Christ's actions towards him motivates his resolve to assist others. "I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man..." (1 Timothy 1:13). Simply put, no matter how poorly others treated Paul, their treatment could never match the level of malice and animosity he had shown towards Jesus Christ. When we understand that Jesus has served us despite our shortcomings, self-centeredness, and wrongdoing, we will be unwavering in our commitment to serving others for His sake, regardless of any challenges we face.