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The Lord's Servant

The honorable vessel in God’s house is one that is ready and able to be used as the Master needs. The vessel is a bondslave to the Master of the house, always ready to serve. The Greek word translated “servant” here is doulos. It can also mean a slave, bondsman, or a man of servile condition, who gives himself up to another’s will.

The bondslave is devoted to another so much that his or her own interests are totally disregarded. Perhaps it would be helpful to watch an episode of “Downton Abbey” and put ourselves in the shoes of Lord Grantham’s valet. He lives to serve Lord Grantham, the master of the house. The role of the English valet as personal servant has been around for centuries, recorded first in the mid-fifteenth century. The gentleman’s valet was a male servant who performed personal services such as maintaining his employer’s clothes, running his bath, and perhaps even shaving him. He may also be responsible for making travel arrangements and handling money matters concerning his master. How might the valet think about his purpose in life?

As a woman, you would not be a valet; you would be a lady’s maid. As a lady’s maid, your role is to serve your mistress night and day. What characteristics would define an excellent, trustworthy, and devoted servant?

The third contrast that Paul draws is between the kind and the quarrelsome servant. What is the potential outcome of their kind, Christlike service?

We are servants of the Lord of heaven and earth. Our service to Him is clearly much different in scope in that we serve the Lord of all lords. How often do we wonder, “What is God’s will for my life?” It helps us to remember that we are not our own. We are the Lord’s. We are His bondservants. Perhaps we could ask the Lord this question, “What is your will for me, and how do you want me to serve you?” We want to ask the Lord to show us the way from His Word. "Lord, where am I living for and serving myself and my sin? I want to live for you, serve you, and walk in the Spirit?" Refer to the list above.

Jesus is the perfect and full image of the Lord’s servant. He served His Master, His Father, perfectly. We need help doing this. It does not come to any of us naturally. We need the help of the Holy Spirit.