II. Serving

A. The word here is diakonia "diakonia" from which the word "deacon” comes, and it means "a servant". It is not the word for slave, but means a voluntary service.

1. This is the person who is a server by nature - one who is happiest when he is helping someone else. -
2. This person is a servant of Christ willingly.
3. Example - Jesus washing disciple's feet - (John 13:1-17).

B. Characteristics of a server.

1. Is very concerned about the needs of others. They know the likes and dislikes of others.
2. Overlooks personal discomfort to accomplish a task.
3. Is sensitive to - is quick to perceive the needs of others. Detects practical needs in the body.
4. Is not satisfied until the task is completed. Meet practical needs quickly and do not procrastinate.
5. Is thorough in everything he does. Have a lot of physical stamina and will work all night to get the job done.
6. Will use personal funds to cut 'red tape'.
7. Is orderly - likes short range goals as they cannot organize for the long term.
8. Gives great attention to details. Does extra work.
9. Must know all the details of the task he is given to do.
10. Requires detailed explanation of how to do the task if he doesn't already know how to do it.
11. Is happy when others are pleased with his work. Need sincere appreciation of the work done.

C. The server's greatest joy is when he can help someone and complete a task and others are pleased with what he has done.

D. The server's greatest dangers are:

1. Tends to become disgusted with those who are disorderly, those who do not complete a task, and those that seem to be insensitive to other people’s needs. Appear to be pushy and push others out of their jobs.
2. Avoids red tape, but sometimes go ahead with a project that is to be stopped.
3. Tends to get too bogged down with unimportant details.
4. May contribute to others’ irresponsibility and laziness by doing too much for them when there is no real need.
5. Get upset with others who are not servers.
6. Find it difficult to receive service from others.
7. Tends to require so much explanation that he takes up an inappropriate amount of other's time, so that some­times the other person would rather do the job and get it over with than to have to give so much explanation.
8. Tends to require too much supervision.
9. Tends to be proud of his accomplishments.
10. May need too much personal appreciation.
11. Get hurt when not appreciated, must learn to do things 'unto the Lord'
12. Their desire to help can interfere with God's plans.
13. Side-tracted into others needs and miss God's plan for themselves.
14. Get so involved that they neglect the word.
15. Get too involved and can't say no.

E. The server needs also to heed the scriptural admonition of Romans 12:10.