I’m not sure where I learned it, or even if I did, but somewhere along the way over my lifetime I have developed a servant’s heart. It is one characteristic that I am blessed to be developing, and one that I admire in others.  Being a servant is one of the key traits of Jesus Christ, and as a Christian I have been in the process of becoming more like Jesus daily.

If this concept can be taught, then it is one I believe that we should definitely pass on to our daughters. Maybe it’s one that can only be “caught” as I spoke of recently, but either way it is worth attempting to teach, in one way or another.

The Bible likens servant hood with greatness. It says in Matthew 20: 25-28,

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

In my eyes, having a servant’s heart means several things, these things include:

Seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. As a result you don’t see others the way that they truly are, but rather how they could be. So many times we see other’s sin and we begin to hold it against them, we hate the sinner rather than the sin, when God hates the sin, not the sinner. We must see other’s through the eyes of Jesus to truly be humble enough to serve. After all, Christianity is not only about serving God, but also serving others.

Seeing needs and meeting them. There are needs all around us, needs that need to be met, but so often times are ignored.  As one with a servant heart you will see those needs and be willing to meet them.  A true servant heart will also do so without being asked.

Doing what you can, when you can, because you can. A person with a servant’s heart will not only see the need and meet it but will do so often, and will make it their mission to serve.  They will consistently and frequently look for ways that they can serve.  They understand the heart of ministry and go out of their way to be a part of it, where ever they are, whenever they can.  They don’t wait around for opportunities to serve, they create them.

Teach your daughter to have a servant’s heart.  Teach her what it means to serve.  You can help to encourage them to serve by discussing with them what it means, pointing out to them those who serve in  your church and what they do to serve, help them to realize that everyone can serve, but not everyone serves alike.  Help them to realize we are all gifted in certain areas, but that sometimes we just need to do what needs to be done, no matter what our gifts.