When we were looking at 1 Samuel 16:14-23 last night, we saw how David moved from being the youngest in his family looking after sheep to being in the service of Saul the king. Service is a vital part of the life of faith. Jesus said, ‘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.’ (Matt 20:26-28, see also Mark 10:43-44) Philippians 2:5-11 chronicles Jesus’s own servant lifestyle and how this was crucial to God’s blessing of His life and ministry. We cannot hope to be great or greatly used by God if we are not willing to be a servant. This will always involve things that we may not necessarily enjoy or want to do, but reflect a heart that is wholly committed to God. It seems David was willing to get on and do whatever was necessary; he was a biddable, teachable person.
Living as a servant means that we can make a difference – David certainly made a difference in Saul’s life! People in whom the Spirit of God lives can make a difference to others. We can make a difference. ‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?’ (2 Cor 2:15-16) The aroma ‘redolent of life’ brings relief, hope, comfort and encouragement to people. We really can help others by serving!
