The Attitude of a Christian Minister

Most of Christendom's ministers expect to be given special respect, and they take such titles as 'reverend" and "father."  However,  a Christian minister knows that Jehovah alone is worthy of reverence.  ( 1 Timothy 2:9, 10)  No Christian minister claims such lofty respect or aspires to special titles.  (Matthew 23:8-12) He knows that the basic meaning of di-a-ko-ni'a is "service."  The verb associated with it is sometimes  used in the Bible with regard to personal services, such as waiting at tables.  (Luke 4:39;17:8; John 2:5)  Even though its usage in relation to the Christian ministry is more elevated, a di-a'ko-nos is still a servant.

No Christian minister therefore has reason to feel self-important.  Genuine Christian ministers-even those with special responsibilities in the congregation-are humble slaves, Jesus said: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave."  (Matthew 20:26,27)  When showing his disciples the right attitude  to cultivate, Jesus washed  their feet doing the work of the lowliest slave.  (John 13:1-15)   What a humble service! Hence, Christian ministers humbly serve Jehovah God and Jesus Christ.  (2 Corinthians 6:4; 11:23)  They show lowliness of mind in serving one another.  And whey they preach the good news, they unselfishly serve their unbelieving neighbors. -Romans 1:14, 15; Ephesians 3:1-7.

Next time: Endure in the Ministry

The Watchtower, 2000