… a servant of God …
Summary: Paul introduces himself as a “servant of God.” This sets the tone for the rest of the letter. These words are not about Paul, but about God.
In his introduction to his letter to Titus, Paul presents his credentials. The very first credential he offers is that he is a servant of God. What does this mean? Is this significant or important?
Yes, it is important. Very important.
The world in ancient times was divided into two groups, masters and servants. There were varying degrees of both, but everyone fell into one of these groups. For example, a person could have servants and be called their master. They, in turn, would look up to someone greater than themselves whom they called, “master.” Being a servant did not mean that you were a slave, but slaves could be servants. By the same token, being a master did not mean you were not a slave. (Joseph comes to mind when he was a slave in Egypt and at the same time in charge of Potiphar’s entire household. – See Genesis 30:1-10)
Our modern-day version of this is employer and employee. Yet, many of us like to believe that we have no master. We imagine that we are free to do whatever we want. If we, like Paul, are a servant of God, then there are restraints on what we can do. If we are not a servant of the Most High, then there are no limits. But, I digress …
Paul is a servant of God. He does not present himself as “God’s General” or an ambassador. He does not claim any rank that would put him above any other person. Instead of claiming authority, he claims to be a servant. Doing so places him in very special company.
Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, reminded us that King David was himself a servant of God (Luke 1:69). Luke tells us the story of Jesus’ mother, Mary, who called herself God’s servant (Luke 1:38). Even Jesus, the Son of God, was called “servant” by Isaiah the prophet:
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1)
God’s world is very different from the world of men. As we wrote a few sentences ago, “If we are not a servant of the Most High, then there are no limits.” Sadly, because we are by nature unrighteous (Romans 3:23), even our best efforts are often evil in the sight of God. History has shown over and over that there are no limits to the evil mankind is capable of.
In God’s realm, greatness is measured by service to others. Jesus taught, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) And why is this? It is because God’s will is that each person should come to know Him as Father. If we represent the Father, it is our job to convey his love to those we meet. (This is especially interesting in light of the rest of this letter.)
When Paul testifies that he is a servant of God, he acknowledges that God is his master. He humbles himself before God and before those who read his letter. He also aligns himself with Good. His intent is clear. His words do not put others down so he can build himself up. He has no desire to be “on top.” He is not the boss or the king or anyone of importance. But his God is important! And for those who honor the Father, Paul’s words are important, too.
Application: Emulate Paul in this: be a servant of God.
Food for Thought: What is the difference between a servant of God and a servant of men?
Being a servant of God has a much greater reward. In fact, the reward is priceless. However, I would caution that any serving should be done with a heart for God and with Him in mind, making sure we are serving on His behalf because He has called us to serve in that capacity and that it is His will for us.
As a former recovering people pleaser, ie co-dependent, I went from “serving” men and women, that was, I couldn’t say no to anyone when asked even when I wanted to say no, to being a people pleaser for God. Either way, I was overstretched, worn out, and depressed. It became much worse when I gave my life to Christ because it took me many years to understand it was ok to say no so that I would be available to be used as His servant in a capacity He wanted to use me in.
Serving men and women under our terms, while it can be rewarding, is not the same as serving our God, through His will for our lives and what He has called us to do in using the talents and gifts He has given us. I have found that serving as His servant, I have more energy, more capacity, and it’s always a much more filling experience.
I leave you with this though (and some of you have heard me say it before). People can either be better or worse for having met you. They might as well be better. As servants of God and Jesus Christ, let’s leave people better than we found them. =)
Darla,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts this morning! I can relate to your frustrations with being a people pleaser. I have been there myself. I am in complete agreement that pleasing God is much better! Better for others and better for myself.
Thank you for the devotion. And great thoughts Darla.
Very simply put: the difference between being a servant of God and a servant of men is who you want your master to be. Who do you want to please and whose reward do you seek? God is a better master by far. Seek His reward. Matthew 25: 21, 23. There will only be room for one master. Matthew 6: 24 (interestingly recorded by a reformed tax collector).
Thank you, Rich.
Great point! We really never escape servanthood. We can deny it, but we cannot escape it.
Servant – voluntary surrender in order to serve.
Result is freedom.
Slavery – involuntary captivity in order to submit.
Result is bondage.
Thank you, Anon!
So true. That could be another meditation on this passage. Paul was freed from slavery to sin. His response was voluntary surrender. Servanthood to the one who freed him.
What is the difference between a servant of God and a servant of men?
We are all servants, living in service to someone. At a point predetermined by God before creation, we are called to choose who we will serve. We can continue trying to please other people, receiving their approval or through Christ, seek to serve, please God, receiving His approval?
When we seek the approval of men, we are striving to please men. We intentionally put all our efforts, and resources, into conforming to the standards being set by men. We become slaves to men, totally opposed to being servants of Christ. We are limited the power we have, held to ever changing standards as we accept and serve ungodly people showing increasing signs of desperation, anger and hatred toward all that is Holy.
God calls us to no longer be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing we may see and understand what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. He will give us His strength to serve as He directs us, and we receive the eternal reward of fellowship with our creator who we call our Father. He is unchangeable, and Holy, giving peace and rest to all who serve Him.
Romans 12:2, Galatians 1:10, Matthew 11:29, Mark 9:35, Romans 6:22
Being God’s servant is an honorable position. Faithful servants of the past have been preserved in Gods Word.
Abraham, Genesis 26:24; Numbers 12:7
Joshua, Joshua 24:29
David, 2 Samuel 7:5
Isaiah, Isaiah 20:3
Mary Mother of Jesus, Luke 1:26-38
Tamar – Genesis 38:1-30
Rahab – Joshua 2
Lydia – Acts 16:14-15
Priscilla – Romans 16:3-4
Jesus Christ our power is called God’s Servant Isaiah 53:11.
Ron,
Thank you for your meditation this morning. It is interesting to me in light of all of the comments here today that we are called to serve. Not to “please” necessarily, although service can be pleasing. Well, let me clarify – we desire to please our Father who desires that we serve others. So what I mean is that in pleasing our Father we do not necessarily please men, even while we strive to serve them.