* A Server sees and meets practical needs.
Important needs that seem insignificant to others catch the eye and attention of the server. These needs are usually physical; however, the server knows by meeting them he will bring spiritual encouragement and strength to those who receive his help. Timothy's serving ability is noted by Paul: "For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state." Phil. 2:20
...But Servers tend to give unrequested help.
Sometimes the tasks that the server sees appear to be more important than the one being served. it may even be that the one who has needs is not aware of them to the degree that the server is aware of them. In either case, a server who uses his initiative to these needs may be judged as pushy or intrusive.
* A Server frees others to achieve.
The joy of the server is not just found in initiating tasks but in knowing that through them he is bringing peace of mind to another person, which will allow that person to be more productive in the tasks God has called him to do. Timothy served Paul so that Paul could carry out his ministry. His serving was "as a son with the father". Phil. 2:22
...But a Server tends to let things be too important.
In order to meet the needs of others, servers will often neglect their own homes and personal responsibilities. They will meet others' needs, but leave their families' needs unmet. This transfer of attention may cause reaction by the server's family and the feeling by the one being served that too much attention is being put on physical things.
*A Server disregards weariness.
Because the server sees the importance of the tasks that he has begun, he will freely use up personal assets of time, money, and strength. His focus is not on himself but rather on the completion of tasks, which he knows will benefit the individual and bring joy to himself.
...and a Server tends to work beyond his physical limits.
Inner tension that often results in physical ailments, especially stomach problems, frequently occur in servers. This condition is the consequence of overextending themselves on one job or taking on too many jobs. We know Timothy had physical ailments, Paul instructed Timothy to take "a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities".
* A Server finds it difficult to say "No".
As the server effectively meets one need, others may ask for similar help, not realizing the inner motivation of the server. These requests, however, are difficult to turn down because they represent needs, and the server feels obligated to meet needs, since he was asked to do so.
...and a Server tends to neglect God-given priorities.
Servers are often placed in positions of responsibility because they are diligent workers. It is then easy for them to volunteer a helping hand or become involved in tasks that they should be delegating to others. This imbalance causes the server's authority to become frustrated because tasks assigned to the server are not completed on schedule.
*A Server is alert to likes and dislikes.
Those with the gift of serving have an amazing ability to find out and remember the special interests of the people they serve. Thus, birthdays and anniversaries tend to be special occasions for them. They can often recall an individual's favorite foods, special colors, types of home furnishings, and favorite activities and use this knowledge in making occasions special.
...but Servers to to react to overlooked needs.
A Server may react to people around him who, in his judgment, walk past obvious needs. He assumes that others see what he sees. If he tells someone about a need and that person does not follow through on the suggestion to meet that need, the server may become resentful.
* A Server needs approval.
Appreciation confirms to the server that his work is necessary and that it is bring blessed by the Lord. The server also desires clear direction. Paul gave Timothy more praise and precise instructions than he gave an other assistant. Servers prefer working with a person rather than for a person.
...but Servers tend to resent lack of appreciation.
If a Server is given a physical job simply because he is a server and is expected to get his joy from doing it, he may feel misused and react in anger. He will then fail to remember that he is working for the Lord. A server's perspective may also be lost if the one whom he is serving is not making wise use of his time.
* A Server likes short-range projects.
The tasks that attract a server are usually immediate needs. The Server often becomes frustrated with long-range planning or an ongoing task that seems to make no obvious progress. Timothy was urged to maintain endurance as a good soldier and to continue in the calling that he was given of God.
...but a Server tends to work people around his schedule.
Because of the server's lack of desire or ability to properly delegate tasks, he will often develop his own time schedule and force others to adapt to it. Lack of delegation may also hinder the family from feeling involved in his serving and cause them instead to feel that they are taken for granted.
* A Server puts extra touches to jobs.
The server knows that by doing more than is expected he not only will delight the one being served but will demonstrate that he is doing it unto the Lord. For a server "going the extra mile" may be trimming and sweeping after mowing the lawn or putting a bow around a lunch box.
....but Servers tend to be frustrated with time limits.
A Server may react to a rigid schedule, not realizing that it is for his own protection. He may feel that it hinders him from the joy of additional serving. Twice, Timothy was told by Paul not to get side tracked. "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me...Do thy diligence to come before winter."
* A Server meets needs quickly.
In an effort to complete tasks a server will try to avoid committees and what to him appear to be unnecessary "red tape". In order to avoid delays, the server will use personal funds.
...but Servers tend to interfere with God's discipline.
The purposes of God may be frustrated when a server meets a need that God allowed in a person's life to bring about repentance. If a server could have met the physical needs of the prodigal son while he was in the pigs sty, it could have hindered his return.
YOU MIGHT BE A SERVER IF...
___You notice practical needs of others and enjoy meeting them.
___You enjoy serving to free others for more important things.
___You sometimes go beyond your physical strength in serving others.
___You can remember the likes and dislikes of others.
___You can usually detect ways to serve before anyone else does.
___You will even use your own funds to get a job done quickly.
___You do not mind doing jobs by yourself.
___You do not want public praise, but you do need to feel appreciated.
___You find it difficult to say no to those who ask for help.
___You like to put "extra touches' on the jobs you do.
Wow, how important the Servers job is. How would a church function without those who see the needs and are quick to go meet those needs. Sometimes when we look at life through the server's eyes we can become frustrated with how 'ignorant' others are or how un-caring they seem to be.....so oblivious to people's needs. Instead of becoming resentful servers need to realize that God gave them the gift of serving and designed them to alert others to the needs, and then recognize that other's are looking through the eyes of their giftings.
Again, as with prophecy, we are all called to serve, whether it is our spiritual gift or not. Servers need accountability because of their tendency to neglect their first responsibilities, their own homes and families.
Who are the SERVERS in your life?
Acknowledge them and let them know how important they are in the Body!
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