The Humility of Servanthood
Jesus, the ultimate example of humility, set aside His divine privileges to become human. He lived a selfless, obedient life, culminating in a sacrificial death on the cross. This remarkable display of humility is a powerful reminder that true greatness is found in serving others.
Putting on the Apron of Humility
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to emulate His example. We can do this by “putting on the apron of humility, to serve one another” (1 Peter 5:5TEV). Servanthood isn’t reserved for those with unique skills or seminary degrees; it’s a mindset available to anyone, regardless of strengths, training, or church tenure.
Loving the Overlooked
Jesus often disguises Himself as the overlooked and ignored. He’s the lonely student in your classroom, the weary mom in your office, or the marginalized individual in your community. When you reach out to these individuals, you’re loving Jesus Himself. As Matthew 25:40MSG reminds us, “Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was Me you did it to.”
Waving the White Flag
Servanthood also involves surrendering our pride and desires. James 4:1MSG asks, “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.” By waving the white flag and serving others, we can overcome our natural inclination towards conflict.
The Power of Small Acts
Every day, we have opportunities to serve others through small, seemingly insignificant acts. We can pick up someone else’s trash, surrender our parking place, or call a lonely relative. As Helen Keller once said, “When I was young, I had longed to do great things and could not, so I decided to do small things in a great way.” These small actions may not seem like much, but they bring good fortune and, more importantly, God’s attention.
The Greatest Servant
Ultimately, our acts of servanthood are a reflection of the greatest servant who ever lived – Jesus Christ. His pierced hands pushed us up the mountain, and when we finally reach the summit, we’ll realize that our journey was made possible by His selfless sacrifice. As 1 Corinthians 15:58MSG reminds us, “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”
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