SURVIVING AS A SERVANT

The servant's heart - we all want it, and most of us think we have it…because we intend to do right by our “neighbor”.

Serving has its challenges – whether you are a Cub Scout leader, the pastor's assistant, or a car salesman. How do you serve with excellence and keep your joy…your integrity…your faith…your mind? If you have any experience as a volunteer or employee, you know what I mean.

I have been self-employed in a service oriented business for 25 years. I have worked with thousands of people in every walk of life – from presidential candidates to little children. So let me tell you that serving is an art that can be taught, learned and mastered, but it takes determination, personal security and humility. Oh, and keep your sword and shield handy.

Here are 5 points to help you survive, keep your joy and grow as you faithfully serve others…your entire life.

*First , you will have the most impact serving in the area of your passion . There are many needs, but since you can't change the world single-handedly, serve where you are naturally drawn. You will find personal fulfillment as you contribute from the gifting God has placed within you. If you are currently serving, volunteer or paid, and you have been struggling, pray about making a change. It is vital to be sure you are on the right track, and everything else will fall into place. There should be joy attached to your place of serving. Although there is most definitely work involved, allow yourself an element of fun. Show up with a smile and a willing heart.

An attitude of excellence is infectious, costs you nothing, and pays big! By raising your “personal bar”, you improve your self respect, and gain inner strength, which create greater peace in your life. Allow the fruit of the spirit to work in you and be your guiding light… love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faith, humility and self control.

*Secondly , these attributes will help carry you through the storms of politics . You cannot sail around them, so it helps to have a sturdy vessel. Politics in the church? Are there people in the church? Yes to both. I don't like it any more than you do, but we must face this reality: There are “politics” in every area of life. Your place of employment, your church, and even your family will have varying degrees of political maneuvering.

You can “buck the system” because you disagree with this whole thing, but you will probably just “buck” yourself out of a job or out of a family. You will be doing yourself a favor if you will embrace the people in your world, walk in love and obey God's leadings. Once you step out, and take the risk, you will find it is all easier than you thought.

The stories of Nehemiah and Esther can inspire us to stay the course.

Nehemiah went through every correct channel, kept his integrity in the face of great opposition, and saw his dream become a reality.

Queen Esther listened and took to heart the words of a trusted source, prayed for a plan, and despite enormous personal danger, executed what she believed was the answer from God. The truth was exposed - justice served, and thousands of innocent people were saved, including herself.

When it comes to making choices, the spirit of fear is your biggest enemy . If you make your decision, in any area of life, based on fear of rejection or retaliation, it will almost always be the wrong decision. In the end you lose and may suffer the very thing you feared. If you make your decision based on love, and apply wisdom, it will always be right. You will gain greater self assurance, grow in your confidence and be happier. Fear saps you, and faith energizes you. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

*Thirdly , despite honest efforts of love and hard work, you may suffer great pain. Jesus was betrayed by someone from his inner circle.

Misunderstandings, bad days, troubles at home and financial pressure affect all people. When you have honestly tried to do right and are truly innocent, as Jesus was, how do you recover from disappointment and pain?

I tell people to begin with a good cry and get that out of the way. We were given tears for a reason. Tears soothe and clear the soul. Just be careful to not get into grief, because grief is connected with death. Cry, wash your face, eat a healthy meal and get a good night's rest. These are the times that let you know how deep your roots grow. How easily are you toppled? True defeat is when you allow this to stop you. Jesus faced lies and injustice but stayed on course even in the face of death.

Forgiveness does not come easy, so you must forgive by faith. When you cannot forgive in the emotional realm, pray to forgive in the unseen spiritual realm, until your emotions are able to catch up. Cast your care upon the Lord, because He cares for you. If you keep your heart right, you can be promoted.

*Fourthly , if you are serving people in high authority , such as a president or senior pastor, keep in mind they have paid a price for this level of responsibility. They are counting on you to be responsible and faithful guardians of their office.

Understand your professional boundaries. Never assume to have greater boundaries than what you have been given. Never speak “on behalf of” without clearance and never just guess that your speculation will be okay. Always operate within policy guidelines because, you just aren't that special. Being the right arm to the one in charge doesn't make you a commander-in-chief as well; you are not exempt from the rules.

Understand your personal boundaries. The person you serve is not your family and their family members are not your family members. So don't feel left out if you are not invited to BBQ's or Christmas parties.

If the person you serve is a spiritual leader, don't expect them to become your personal counselor. Making it a habit to ask for advice or help is taking advantage of them and is unfair. Although they like you, you will quickly become a drain; they will dread your company and seek to replace you.

Listen to their sermons, find out what they read and purchase the same books. You will probably get your answer without ever needing to ask and you will grow in wisdom as well. Trust boundaries to keep you safe and well.

*Lastly , if you survive the rough waters of serving, you will one day have others serving you . Remember to treat them with love, respect and patience. Be kind and cooperative and listen with an open heart. Naaman, the mighty warrior, received a miraculous healing because his wife heeded the advice given by a little servant girl. Those who are young and inexperienced may surprise you with insight and wisdom.

Promotion comes with time and experience but God loves us enough to wait until we are ready for the challenge. Be quick to recognize what comes forth when you are squeezed…and make quick adjustments in your leadership or communication style if needed.

In the grand scheme of time, our life is like a vapor, and there are no do-over's…only new beginnings. No matter how old you are or where you are in life, you can begin anew.

Engage in this life of serving . Make a difference. Expand your world. Unexpected joy and amazing things can come into your life as you take up a sword and shield and serve with excellence.

Contact Sher at: Sher@designBySher.com