Topical Bible: Servants: should Serve with Good Will

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In the biblical context, the role of a servant is often highlighted as one of humility, obedience, and dedication. The Scriptures provide guidance on how servants should conduct themselves, emphasizing the importance of serving with good will and sincerity of heart.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses the conduct of servants in his epistles, providing clear instructions on their attitude and behavior. In Ephesians 6:5-7 , Paul writes: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." This passage underscores the principle that service should be rendered as if serving Christ Himself, with a genuine and willing spirit.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:22-24 , Paul reiterates this teaching: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Here, the emphasis is on wholehearted service, motivated by reverence for the Lord rather than mere human approval.

Theological Implications

The call for servants to serve with good will reflects a broader theological principle of Christian service. It is a reminder that all believers, regardless of their social status, are ultimately serving God in their daily tasks. This perspective elevates the dignity of work and service, transforming even the most mundane duties into acts of worship when performed with the right heart attitude.

The notion of serving with good will also aligns with the Christian virtues of love, humility, and selflessness. In Philippians 2:3-4 , Paul exhorts believers: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This mindset is essential for servants, as it encourages them to prioritize the well-being and needs of those they serve.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the biblical instruction for servants to serve with good will can be applied in various contexts, including the workplace, ministry, and family life. It challenges individuals to approach their responsibilities with a positive attitude, integrity, and a desire to honor God through their actions.

In the workplace, employees can embody this principle by performing their duties diligently and with a cooperative spirit, regardless of recognition or reward. In ministry, volunteers and leaders alike are called to serve with enthusiasm and a heart for others, reflecting the love of Christ in their interactions. Within the family, serving with good will fosters a harmonious and supportive environment, where each member contributes to the well-being of the household.

Ultimately, the biblical call for servants to serve with good will is a timeless exhortation that encourages believers to live out their faith through acts of service, reflecting the character of Christ in all they do.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 6:7
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm CXXV.
... from being servants, but good servants from bad servants. ... that a righteous and faithful
man should serve an unjust ... better both in art and health, serve the sick ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ...
... Gods hand is so open in giving, his servants should be so ... if there should be any
great account made of what ... All those that serve great men, do make open shew ...
/.../chap ii answering the reasons.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... own house, then the house of God should be better ... they care not if their souls serve
the devil. ... common complaint is, that faithful and good servants are scarce ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

Our Lord Helps Her to Become a Nun. Her Many Infirmities.
... helps those who do violence to themselves in order to serve Him ... so secure, to a house
where there are so many servants of God ... They said I should find relief there ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter iv our lord helps.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... that the promise of a similar blessing should serve as a ... ye shall be ashamed; behold,
my servants shall be ... be a ridiculous one (although I should perhaps add a ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Thoughts Upon the Knowledge of G0D.
... none of us but will say, they do not serve us, but ... How then can we expect that God
should look upon us ... for him, as we expect from our own Servants, though our ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon the knowledge of.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... you with your respective households to serve the Lord ... it not as reasonable to expect
you should reap where ... any countenance to children and servants to disregard ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Of the Difference Between the Faithful Servants and the Secret ...
... But He sends His servants outwards, that they may be ... exercises may be, nor how these
should be practised. ... the diversity of outward works than serve with inward ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter vii of the difference.htm

The Life of John Gordon viscount Kenmuir.
... omitting none, saying, Learn to serve and fear the Lord, and use carefully the means
of your ... He took an oath of his servants, that they should follow his ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of john gordon.htm

Servants and Lords
... events their highest purpose is that men should, by them ... And lastly, Christ's servants
are the lords of time ... the mellowing days of August, all serve to ripen ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/servants and lords.htm