A Life of Service

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
— Philippians 2:1-2

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”
— Philippians 2:3-5

“…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:6-11

1. A servant is sacrificial.

“…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped…”
— Philippians 2:6

All that Jesus has in His divinity became a channel of giving rather than a conduit for getting.

2. A servant becomes less so others can become more.

“…but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
— Philippians 2:7

3. A servant is obedient no matter the cost.

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
— Philippians 2:8

Being an obedient servant is more about being than it is about doing.

4. A servant who seeks the glory of his Master will be rewarded.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:9-11

Deacons help with the practical work of ministry as delegated by the elders of the church.

“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Timothy 3:8–13

Not all of us are called to become Deacons (the office), but all are called to deacon (serve).