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 title. (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 uses 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 be 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 when 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

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000