“He who loves his life will lose it,
and he who hates his life in this world
will keep it for eternal life. If anyone
serves Me, let him follow Me, and
where I am, there My servant will
be also. If anyone serves Me,
him My father will honor.”
John 12:25-26 (NKJV)
The idea of servant-hood to central to the Bible and Jesus is the ultimate example: “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom to many” (Mark 10:45, NKJV). And our Lord calls those who believe in Him not only to serve Him but to be His servant. These are related but different concepts and both are necessary to be a true Christ-follower.
I can easily fall into the trap of busy-ness, filling up my schedule with all kinds of activities that I may consider “worthy” service. But what profit is there if my efforts are not consistent with God’s will and done for His honor? I don't want my works to be just wood, hay and stubble (1 Corinth. 3:12). So I need to be make sure I'm building on the right foundation (Christ) and serving where and how He wants me to. Service that advances God's kingdom rather than shallow activity with little or no eternal value.
Moreover, my busy-ness is worthless if the attitude of my heart is wrong. I need to have humility and be willing to do what I feel the Lord is calling me to do rather than what will please me and my pride. Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), so I need to surrender to His plan not further my own agenda. And I must remember that God gets all the glory, not me.
The mark of a bond-servant in the OT was an awl-pierced ear to show absolute, voluntary commitment to his or her master; although that is not a physical sign for us, our lives should demonstrate that kind of complete loyalty and devoted service to our Lord. Not clock-watching or Sunday-only Christians, but truly following Christ. Willing to defer to others; to give sacrificially of our time, talent and resources; to be obedient and not count the cost of serving in our Lord’s name according to His plan and purpose. Belonging to Him in such a way that we walk with meekness yet boldness, as salt and light in this world without compromise.