1. Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2. Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The Example of Jesus for God’s Children to Follow
Philippians 2:7 says of Jesus, “But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Have you ever given thought to what it must have been like for Jesus to be made in the likeness of men—and on top of that, to serve those He came to save? To find strength in times of weariness, to bear the pain of others even when their own choices brought about their suffering, and to choose kindness at the end of a long, exhausting day. These are just a few ways Jesus modeled how His followers should live.
Jesus demonstrated that true freedom is found in humility and love by continually answering the call to serve. The person who answers that call is free from the bondage of selfishness that often isolates, and even from being a slave to one’s own flesh. Selfishness is often rooted in pride and covetousness—when one’s possessions become idols of self-worth. This mindset remains in bondage to sin because its motives are entirely self-serving.
Jesus sacrificed His life so that all who believe in Him could have eternal life. Being cleansed by the shed blood of Christ, we are considered righteous in the eyes of God. Our sins were paid for and forgiven when Christ took our place on the Cross, bearing our sins and receiving the wrath meant for us. But during His earthly ministry, Jesus not only taught—He also set the example that all who follow Him should live by.
To Serve Only Self: The Measure of the Unrighteous Heart
The parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:16-21 illustrates this perfectly. Jesus tells of a rich man whose land produced abundantly—so plentiful that his barns could not contain the excess. His solution was to tear down his barns and build bigger ones—he had enough to store for years. Believing that once his excess was stored, life would be easy and he could “eat, drink, and be merry.” But Luke 12:20 records God’s response: “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” God did not call the man a fool because he gained riches, but because his heart was not with the One who gave him life and prosperity. His motives were selfish, without consideration for the less fortunate.
In this parable we see more of God’s truth spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:45b: “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God often uses the unrighteous heart to bless the righteous—and through that blessing, the unrighteous heart can come to learn humility and righteousness. Had the rich man’s heart been with God, he would have used a portion of his excess to help others in need. I’m sure we can all agree that if the wealthy parted with even a portion of their excess, instead of only building bigger with ambitions to gain more, far fewer in the world would go without.
Though God may not instantly judge the selfish who serve only self, ungodly acts will be judged by Him on the day of judgment. As Hebrews 10:31 warns, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
The Balanced Mind of an Ambassador of Christ
As followers of Christ, we are not to have minds of conceit. Humility cannot thrive where arrogance is rooted. An arrogant mind is also in bondage to sin because its spirit is judgmental, critical of others, and thinks itself to be superior. These are the very conditions that lead to verbal abuse and other harmful acts that wound the self-esteem, self-love, and confidence of others. This spirit has created a culture where many despise their own identity and seek another not given by God, and push them further away from Him.
Today, the word servant carries a negative connotation—in the world, a servant is seen as inferior or in subjection to those who feel superior. But those who follow Christ should view a servant as one who serves God according to His will, performing His work on earth as ambassadors of Christ Jesus. In this state of mind, motives do not carry selfish ambition: instead, the believer seeks outcomes that produce benefits for others.
This does not mean that as followers of Christ we should neglect our own duties, affairs, and interests. After all, Philippians 2:4 teaches, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” A word rarely used to describe what it means to be a Christian is balance. A balanced mind is what creates a balanced Christian life, and every believer who walks in balance contributes to a more balanced Church body—one where believers seek the well-being of both ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Servants of Love: The Identity of Christians and the Church
In Mark 12:31 Jesus reminds us of the Second Commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” He also gave a new commandment: “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34). A spirit lacking humility may or may not love itself, but it certainly cannot love others — nor can it truly serve God.
The Apostle Paul was perhaps the most dynamic promoter of the Church body. In his epistles, he taught not only how members of the Church should live, but also that the health of the Church depends on the health of each of its members. His clearest illustration is found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where he describes the Church Body as a human body. He concludes with a call to humility and unity: “That there should be no schism in the body: but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it: or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1 Corinthians 12:25-27).
When we consider the interests and well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as our own, we fulfill the command to treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). When we serve not only ourselves but others as well, we truly reflect the heart of Christ—and give Christianity the identity it was meant to have: a people who walk in love, are rooted in humility, and thrive in service.
Scriptures About Being Servants of God and Ambassadors of Christ
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
A Thankful Prayer for Being Chosen as a Servant
Father God in Heaven, You freed me from the bondage of sin — not only to save me, but to strengthen the body of Christ of which I am a part. You freed me that I may live as an example to others of the glorious work You do in all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. No longer dead in sin where chaos and calamity were constant, I now have peace as Your servant. Alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ, I rejoice in being born again and bringing glory to Your name. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Trinitarian Benediction
May God’s call to serve find you with an open and accepting heart.
May the examples of Christ Jesus be rooted in your heart and manifest in your life.
And may the Holy Spirit always keep you mindful of your duty to serve.