Sometimes when I read scripture, I come to a verse(s) I can’t seem to move past. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience? Most recently this happened with James 1:1, which says “James, a servant of God and the LORD Jesus Christ: to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings.” More specifically “a servant of God and the LORD Jesus Christ”, the word “servant” being what I can’t seem to move past. 

This idea or concept of being a servant of God is timely for me, as my husband and I are getting ready to travel to Greece on a mission trip. We’ve been to Greece a few times, but this trip is unlike previous ones and the process has been fairly frustrating for us. The lack of control, direction, and constantly changing plans are uncomfortable for me personally. I’ve been on enough mission trips to know that what you plan in the states is rarely what you actually do when you get to your destination. However, for whatever reason this trip seems to be even more vague than others. I’ve complained to numerous people about the last minute changes and have had trouble mustering the usual excitement. Honestly, my attitude has been far from that of a servant, so it’s no wonder God has had me camped out here for numerous days. 

Digging a bit deeper I discovered that the word servant comes from the Greek word  “δοῦλος (Doulos)” in Greek.  Which means more literally “a slave or bondservant: someone who sets aside all rights of his own to serve another.” Because the word slave carries such a negative connotation, the word servant is often used instead. Additionally, Paul, Jude and Peter along with James refer to themselves as servants or slaves of God. Read the opening verse of most any letter these men wrote in the New Testament and you’ll find a very similar greeting in each – “I so and so, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Time and time again, these same words are used.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet refers to Jacob and Israel (God’s chosen people) as servants of God. Isaiah 41:8-9 says “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend—I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven’t rejected you.”. And while Isaiah spoke these words, he was simply repeating what God told him to say, which means that God Himself thinks of His chosen people as servants. This is just one quick reference, the word servant is used numerous times throughout scripture to refer to the men and women following Christ. 

Here is what intrigues me though – when was the last time you heard a living person, someone you know, use these words to describe themselves? I honestly cannot think of anyone I know or have heard call themselves a “servant of God and Christ”. Instead, those of us in full or part time church work, use words like: Pastor, Bible teacher, Missionary, Student Leader, etc… Or when speaking of volunteers, we say things like I serve in this or that ministry, I’m on the worship team, I work with kids or students. 

The truth is for us today, the word servant is demeaning, much like the word slave. So we soften it by using other words. While there is nothing inherently wrong with any of the words we use to describe our jobs, callings or service to God and our churches, I can’t help but wonder if by using them we diminish who and what we are called to be and do – servants of God and Christ. Maybe it’s just me, but thinking of myself as a volunteer versus a servant makes me think I have more of a choice or right to say no, or pick and choose what I do and where I serve. Hang with me here, I’m not saying Christ followers should say yes to everything and everyone. We were all created with unique giftings  and abilities and should only ever serve or say yes to those things God leads or calls us to. I’m simply saying that servants or slaves typically don’t tell their masters no or let me pray/think about it. We gave up our right to choose our way when we surrendered to Jesus! 

Jesus Himself, refers to and thinks of Himself as a servant. Check out John 13, where Jesus washes the disciples feet and then explains to them why. Even facing the cross Jesus prayed “not my will but yours Father”. As Christ followers we should model our lives and way of living after Jesus. Which means if Jesus thought of Himself as a servant, then who I am to think of myself as any better. In fact, it’s pretty humbling when you think about the fact that you were chosen by God Himself, Creator and Master of all to be His servant! It’s kind of mind blowing actually. 

Now, I’m not suggesting we go around and start referring to ourselves as servants of Christ or God. We don’t want to become or sound prideful or arrogant. What I am suggesting however, is in our own hearts and minds we begin thinking of ourselves in these terms. Especially when God is asking us to do something that stretches us or moves us out of our comfort zones, something that is outside of our plans for life – but completely in line with His plan for our life. 

There is so much more I could share, but I believe you might learn more if you dig deep and read/research more on your own. Here are few great and free resources: gotquestions.org, enduringword.com, biblegateway.com, and of course youversion.com.