What Is A Servant Of God?

Servants of God dedicate their lives to serving and spreading the message of God. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: A servant of God is someone who has devoted themselves to serving God and living according to His will.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning of being a servant of God, the characteristics servant leaders possess, examples of well-known servants of God, the path to becoming one, and the rewards of living a Godly life.

What Does It Mean to Be a Servant of God?

Committed to God’s Will

Being a servant of God first and foremost means a complete commitment to follow God’s will and plan for one’s life (GotQuestions.org). Rather than pursuing worldly ambitions or selfish desires, true servants seek to align their priorities with what matters most to God.

They consistently spend time in prayer and study of the Scriptures in order to discern His voice and direction. As it says in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Living a Virtuous Life

In addition to hearing and obeying God’s voice, His servants also strive to reflect His holy character in everything they do. They display the fruits of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

This enables them to be a light and ambassador for Christ wherever they go. They speak truth boldly yet graciously, confront injustice, extend compassion to those in need, and labor wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord Himself (Colossians 3:23).

Serving and Helping Others

Finally, genuine servants of God are compelled by Christ’s love to meet the needs of others through humble and generous service (Mark 10:45, Matthew 25:31-46). They give financially and volunteer their time, abilities, and emotional support to benefit their neighborhoods, churches, nonprofits, deprived families or individuals.

For example, an estimated 64.3 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2014 and September 2015 in the United States alone (Bible Hub). This demonstrates being “the hands and feet of Jesus” in a world filled with poverty, sickness, and loneliness.

Traits and Characteristics of Servant Leaders

Humble and Selfless

Servant leaders exemplify humility and selflessness in their words and actions. They put others’ needs before their own and lead by example, not by demanding authority. Servant leaders don’t seek recognition but redirect praise and accolades to their team members.

They admit when they’re wrong, take personal accountability, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty alongside their followers.

For instance, a servant leader will gladly take on the least glamorous tasks and enable their team to shine. Their ambition is solely for the greater good of the organization and society. As the saying goes, “There is no limit to the good a person can do if they don’t care who gets the credit.”

Servant leaders live this motto through their selfless service.

Compassionate and Loving

Servant leaders care deeply about their team members as human beings, not just employees. They exhibit compassion, empathy, and genuine concern for others. Their love and kindness create an atmosphere of psychological safety where people feel valued, accepted, and free to be themselves.

For example, a servant leader will reach out to connect personally with team members going through hard times. They’ll accommodate individual needs and life circumstances as reasonably as possible. Their open heart and caring spirit foster a highly relational organizational culture.

As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely stated, “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” Servant leaders mold consensus through love, not fear or position.

Truthful and Full of Integrity

Honesty and integrity are non-negotiable for servant leaders. They are worthy of others’ trust because they never break promises or compromise their principles. Servant leaders speak the truth – even when it’s difficult – but do so with both boldness and kindness.

Additionally, servant leaders admit mistakes readily, take ownership of failures, and share credit for successes. They don’t pretend to have all the answers but are learners hungry for wisdom. Servant leaders would rather lose financially than compromise their ethics.

Their high integrity inspires confidence in their leadership.

As Albert Einstein said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted in important affairs.” Servant leaders can be trusted in all matters, small and great, because of their rock-solid integrity.

Well-Known Examples of Servants of God

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa is one of the most well-known servants of God in modern history. Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia, she felt called to a religious life at a young age. At 18 years old, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and moved to India as a missionary nun.

She taught high school students in Calcutta for nearly 20 years before feeling called again – this time to serve the poor. In 1948, Mother Teresa left her convent and devoted herself to serving the sick, hungry and dying people living in the slums of Calcutta.

She founded the Missionaries of Charity order in 1950 and over the next few decades grew it into an organization that ran hospices, homeless shelters, orphanages and other charitable institutions around the world. Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.

She died in 1997 at age 87 and was canonized as a Catholic saint by Pope Francis in 2016.

Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, was another famous 20th century servant of God. Born in Poland in 1920, he was ordained as a priest in 1946 and became Archbishop of Kraków in 1964. He was named a cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1967.

After the death of Pope John Paul I in 1978, Karol Wojtyła was elected Pope and took the name John Paul II. He was the first non-Italian Pope in over 400 years. Pope John Paul II was known as an advocate for human rights and used his position to speak out against totalitarian governments around the world.

He survived an assassination attempt in 1981. He was also very influential in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. John Paul II was considered a highly charismatic leader who connected with both Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide.

He traveled more than any other pope in history, visiting over 100 countries. He canonized hundreds of new saints and beatified over 1,000 people. John Paul II died in 2005 at age 84 and was declared a saint in 2014.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights icon in the United States. Born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, he became a pastor and leader in the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

King promoted nonviolent civil disobedience against racial discrimination, such as the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955. In 1963, he helped organize the March on Washington where he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. That same year, King was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year.

In 1964, at age 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his civil rights activism. Despite threats and harassment from opponents, King continued speaking out for racial equality, economic justice and world peace. Tragically, he was assassinated in 1968 at the age of 39.

After his death, King remained a symbol of hope and social change for many around the world. In 1986, his birthday was established as a U.S. national holiday – Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Over 900 streets in the United States are named after him.

Without a doubt, Dr. King was one of the most influential servants of God and humanity in modern times.

Becoming a Servant of God

Building Your Relationship with God

Developing a close relationship with God is essential for becoming His servant. Here are some ways to build your bond with the Lord:

• Spend time daily in prayer and Bible study – Set aside quiet time to speak with God and read His Word to understand His heart and will for your life.
• Attend church regularly – Gathering with other believers helps you grow in faith and community. Make Sunday services and small groups a priority.
• Serve in ministry – Get involved at your church or in the community to serve others in practical ways, which strengthens your commitment to living out your faith.
• Repent of sins – Bring areas of disobedience before God, asking forgiveness and the power to change through the Holy Spirit.
• Praise and thank God – Focusing on the Lord’s blessings and goodness helps you appreciate Him more while battling negative thoughts and emotions.

As you devote yourself to pursuing an intimate relationship with God, your love and desire to honor Him as a faithful servant will increase. According to a 2018 Pew Research study, 36% of Americans who attend religious services weekly say they go to become closer to God.

Committing to a Spiritual Practice

Embracing spiritual disciplines helps you grow dramatically in your walk with God as His servant. Here are some top practices to commit to regularly:

• Bible study – Digging into the Word transforms your mindset and equips you for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Aim for at least 15-30 minutes daily.
• Prayer – Communicating with your Father keeps your relationship strong. Set aside time to pray throughout the day.
• Fasting – Periodically fasting from food or distractions enables greater focus on God and prayer.
• Silence and solitude – Slowing down to listen to God’s voice redirects your focus to Him.
• Journaling – Writing prayers, reflections, and goals helps process and retain what God is teaching you.

According to author Ruth Hayley Barton, “The spiritual practices provide a framework within which we can begin to cultivate the capacities we need in order to live well…to become fully human as God intended.”

By pursuing spiritual disciplines, you’ll be well on your way to an impactful life of Christian service.

Getting Involved in Ministry

An essential aspect of being God’s servant is using your gifts and talents to build up fellow believers and reach the lost. Here are some ways to get engaged in impactful ministry:

• Volunteer at your church – Serve on Sundays doing ushering, tech, parking, or teaching kids. Also join a midweek small group or service team.
• Use your skills in the community – Offer free tax prep, lawn care, auto repair, cooking meals, music lessons, tutoring, or sewing for those in need.
• Join a service organization – Participate in community outreaches providing food, shelter, counseling, medical care, prison ministry, or disaster relief.
• Support global missions – Pray for missionaries, donate to their ministry efforts, send care packages, or go on a short-term trip.
• Share the gospel – Develop relationships with unbelievers and look for opportunities to share the life-changing message of Christ.

Stepping out of your comfort zone to joyfully serve others will expand your capacity for compassion. According to nonprofit founder Kay Warren, “The path to moral authority and influence is through sacrificial service….True servants sacrifice for the good of others and the glory of God.”

The Rewards of a Godly Life

Inner Peace and Fulfillment

Living a godly life centered around faith, hope, and love brings profound inner peace and satisfaction. As we draw closer to God, we experience His unconditional love, acceptance, and purpose for our lives. This fills us with joy and contentment that the world cannot provide (John 14:27).

When we walk in obedience to God’s commandments, our conscience is clear, and we have confidence that God is pleased with us. We are fulfilled knowing that we are living for something greater than ourselves.

Though trials will come, we can rest in God’s presence and timing, trusting Him to work all things for good (Romans 8:28). The peace of God transcends circumstances and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). What a blessing it is to live at peace with God and ourselves!

Eternal Life in Heaven

The ultimate reward for faithful servants of God is eternal life in Heaven. While the joys and comforts of this world quickly fade, Jesus promises those who follow Him will inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29).

Our perishable earthly bodies will be resurrected into imperishable and immortal bodies, fit for eternity with God (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 53-54). There will be no more pain, sickness, tears or death (Revelation 21:4).

The glories of Heaven far exceed anything we have seen or imagined on earth (1 Corinthians 2:9). As adopted children of God, believers in Jesus will dwell with Him forever, experiencing unbroken fellowship and infinite blessings.

What an awe-inspiring hope that motivates us to faithfully follow Christ each day!

Setting a Positive Example

When we pursue a godly life, our actions can have a profound influence on others. As the salt and light of the world, our integrity, love and virtue can draw people to glorify God (Matthew 5:13-16). By regularly studying the Bible, sharing our faith, giving generously, and serving others, we point people to the goodness and truth of Christ.

Our gospel witness reaches both believers and unbelievers. Even without a word, our upright conduct can cause people to ask about the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). Choosing ethics over profit, patience over anger, and purity over lust demonstrates the power of Christ in us.

How rewarding it is to invest in eternal things by impacting lives for God’s kingdom. May we overflow with the fruit of righteousness wherever we go (Philippians 1:9-11).

Conclusion

In conclusion, serving God requires an unwavering commitment to living according to His principles and spreading His message of love and salvation. While the path requires sacrifice, servants of God are richly rewarded in this life and the next with fulfillment, community, and everlasting life with the Heavenly Father.