#374: Is Serving What We Are Called to Do?

Is serving what we are called to do, or is being a servant whom we are called to be?

I know, some of you are thinking, “to do” or “to be” is a distinction without a difference. However, they are different. Please, allow me to explain.

To Do or To Be

When I was little, my parents told me to clean up my room. Back then, especially when dad said it, I received it as an order. I was to do it. There was no choice in the command. I was simply compelled to clean my room. The implication was some form of house arrest would be the result of my failure to comply.

“To do” expresses an obligation as in, “I have to do this.”

Another example from my scarred childhood involved a neighborhood kid; I simply didn’t get along with him. Mom said, regardless of how I feel about the way this kid treated me, I was told I “have to be nice to him.” It was something I had to do. It was expected of me.

On the other hand, “to be” implies an attitude of the heart. To be kind. To be thoughtful. To be something reflects the core of our inner self.

To be kind means that our kindness reflects our nature. I am kind to others not because my mother commanded me to do so, but because it is part of my nature as one of God’s children.

So, do you see the difference between to do and to be? To do is a reflection of an obligation, while to be is a reflection of our heart.

Now, you might be saying, “Fine, but what does all this have to do with serving?”

To Serve or Be a Servant

If we volunteer at a food bank or a homeless shelter out of a feeling of obligation, our motivation is selfish. We want to feel important. We want to be seen in the community and recognized for the good work we do. We are doing.

If, on the other hand, we volunteer at the food bank or homeless shelter because our heart breaks for people in need out of a sense of love for God’s children, then we are serving. We are being a servant.

We Are Called to Servanthood

Servanthood is an attitude of the heart, which is best exemplified by Jesus. Writing to the Philippians, Paul said our attitude should be like that of Jesus’,

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7).

The very nature of a servant! Being a servant was not something Jesus had to do; it was His nature. It was who He was called to be!

Peter said we are to follow the example Jesus set for us.

“For to this, you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21)

Jesus’ very nature was as a servant, and we are to follow the example Jesus set for us. So, we are also called to be servants.

It is a matter of our hearts reflecting Christ as servants of our fellow man.

In the Workplace

Now you may ask, “What does all this serving talk have to do with the workplace?”

Fair question.

Writing to the Colossians, Paul said,

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Whatever work we do; our work should be done as though we are working for Jesus Himself. When we serve those in the workplace, it is as though we are serving Him.

Remember, serving isn’t something we do. Being a servant is who we are called to be!

More Articles

I’ve written a number of articles on the topic of Servant Leadership. You can find them by typing “Servant Leadership” in the search bar.

Or, if you would rather, here are four of my recent articles on Servant Leadership.

• #147: Is Being a Servant Leader Really a Good Thing?
• #238: What Does It Take to be a Godly Leader or Follower?
• #306: What I See in the Rearview Mirror
• #309: Do You Know This Servant-Hearted Seamstress Who Caused A Revival?

Join the Conversation

As always, questions and comments are welcome. Do you feel compelled to help coworkers, or do you have a servant’s heart in the workplace?

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Category: Relationships | Servant Leadership