Text: Philippians 2:5–11
Philippians 2:5–7 says, “Let this same mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking upon Himself the form of a servant.”
Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. A servant has no will of his own; his master’s will becomes his will. That is what true submission and service look like. When the Bible says we are to have the mind of Christ, it means we should think and act like servants, people who are willing to lay down our comfort, pride, and reputation to serve others.
Leadership in God’s Kingdom
In the world, leadership means being served. In God’s kingdom, leadership means serving others. When Jesus’ disciples argued about who was the greatest, He brought a little child before them and said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4). He also said, “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” (Luke 22:26).
In the world, people climb up to be seen. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. The path to greatness is humility and service.
The Example of Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1–17)
Before His death, Jesus took a towel, knelt down, and washed His disciples’ feet, which was a task normally done by the lowest servant. None of the disciples volunteered to do it because they were busy thinking about who was greatest. Jesus, the Master, performed the lowest duty to teach a lesson in humility. After washing their feet, He said, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:13–15).
True greatness is found in service, and true leadership is expressed through humility.
The Heart of a Servant
A servant’s heart is humble, willing, and obedient. It seeks to meet needs rather than seek attention. Philippians 2:3–4 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain glory. In humility, value others above yourselves.” Serving others does not make you less. Even Jesus said that serving did not change His identity as Lord. You can serve without losing who you are.
Practical Ways to Serve
One way to serve is by bearing one another’s burdens. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Serving includes lightening someone else’s load, praying for them, helping them, or simply being there when they need support.
We can also serve in small or hidden ways. Not all acts of service are seen. Some people sweep the floor, arrange chairs, check on others, or pray in secret. God sees all of it. In Acts 9, Dorcas served quietly by making clothes for widows. When she died, people testified about her good works. Hidden service still speaks loudly before God.
Another important form of service is the service of prayer. Praying for the church, for souls, and for the work of God is also a form of service. Some people may never hold a microphone, yet heaven records their labour in prayer. There was a woman who continually prayed for Billy Graham’s ministry. She was unseen, but her prayers were powerful.
We can also practice the service of hospitality. 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Practice hospitality.” Being hospitable means creating comfort for others, feeding them, welcoming them, and helping them feel loved. Abraham is a great example of this in Genesis 18. When he saw strangers, he ran to meet them, bowed, called them “my lords,” and served them food himself. He humbled himself and called himself their servant. That simple act of hospitality became the doorway to his blessing, the moment when God promised him a son. Your place of service is often the place of your encounter with God.
The Reward of Service
Matthew 23:12 says, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Philippians 2:9 also tells us that after Jesus humbled Himself, “Therefore God highly exalted Him.” In God’s kingdom, the servant is the greatest. Those who serve faithfully are lifted by God Himself.
Living as Christlike Servants
Every believer is called to be a servant. Service is not weakness; it is strength. It shows maturity, humility, and love. When we serve, we are most like Christ. When we humble ourselves, God lifts us. Let this same mind be in you, the mind of Christ.
Conclusion
As believers, we must ask ourselves, Am I serving? Where am I serving? How am I serving? If Jesus could take off His robe and wash feet, then we too can serve one another with joy.
