In the original text of the New Testament there are several words which are translated by the word "servant" in our English version. It will be sufficient for our present purpose to consider only two of these words. The first word, doulos, has the significance of "bond-slave," as in the introduction to the Epistle to the Romans, where the apostle describes himself as the bond-slave of Jesus Christ. It was the character of bond-slave which he had in common with all the redeemed. He was a bond-slave through God's grace and not through any effort of his own.

The second word, diakonos, from which we have our English word "deacon," literally means, "one who hastens through" with his work, not in the sense of one who scamps work, but one who is always ready to do his master's bidding. The word has come to have the restricted connotation of servant in material things, but its essential meaning covers both material and spiritual. Indeed, Stephen, commencing as God's servant in material affairs, filled with the Holy Ghost, soon became widely known as His servant in the spiritual sphere.

When a student enters a university he is initiated as a member of the learned corporation on matriculating. In course of time by ready subservience to the study of the matters which engross the attention of a university, he passes the various knowledge tests and becomes a graduate. He is none the less a member of the University after than before graduation, but he has risen a step on the ladder of learning. So a Christian, in becoming a deacon does not cease to be a bond-slave of Jesus Christ, indeed his appreciation of the redemption price will be greatly deepened.

"As every man hath received the gift, minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God… If any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Pet. 4:10,11).

All Christians are called to be deacons. Throughout the New Testament the conception of the bond-slave's graduation to the deaconship is repeatedly presented. To some God may have only given the ability to minister a cup of cold water, but even such a simple act loses its value if it is not done in His name, 1:e., for the glory of God through Jesus Christ.

It is indicated in the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians that though we may be the dispensers of millionaire philanthropy and be prepared to go the length of the stake in self-sacrifice, it is all profitless if the love of Christ is not the motive spring of our action. Similarly, we are the stewards of the manifold grace of God in spiritual matters. As pastors we are to seek to bear the burdens of the weak. As teachers and evangelists we must experience the ordination of the pierced hands.

The Christian must not retire into monastic seclusion. He should seek to follow the example of his Master who went about always doing good. The knowledge of truth is very desirable, but true Christian happiness -is only realized in doing the truth which has been made known to the soul (John 13:17).

How to effect the purchase of this "good degree" may appear a difficult problem to many. But John the Baptist was in the secret when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). In the proportion that Christ is formed in the soul, self is displaced, and the acceptable fulfilment of the duties of a deacon is rendered possible.

The apostle in addressing the Corinthian believers said, "We have the mind of Christ." That mind did not presume on His equality with God, but readily sought the cover of a bond-slave's form, that, as the true Hebrew servant, He might hasten to accomplish the will of God. He who was Lord over all was in the midst of mankind as one who served. Could there be a greater stimulus given than that afforded by such a marvelous example that we should be in harmony with the mind of Christ, and that, therefore, we may have the mind of the Lord as to what we are to do for the glory of God at every juncture in our pathway?

"There is but one [path] in the waste,
Which His footsteps have marked as His own,
And we follow in diligent haste
To the seats where He's put on His crown."

T. Oliver (Galashiels)