If it weren’t for people… work would be great.
If it weren’t for people… church would be effortless.
If it weren’t for people… humble service would be easy.
Sacrificial service is something many people admire but may not truly desire to practice. Our culture values self-service and self-interest. More and more, we see many of those cultural values seep into the church. Even while serving in church and ministry, we can find ourselves disappointed and hurt by people and question whether the cost is worth it.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Paul explains to the Philippian church that the evidence of true Christianity is found in humble service to each other. God calls His people to serve and love one another with humility. One of the glories of God is that He left the majesty of heaven to have intimate relationship with us. Cloaked in humility, taking the form of a servant, our Lord Jesus entered our messy world to serve our needs and to share our suffering.
We are most like Jesus when we are serving each other. We demonstrate our thankfulness to Him by willingly and humbly entering into the messy lives of others to serve their needs and share in their suffering. We can become a helper, a listening ear, an encourager, a prayer partner, a confidante, or even a defender. We experience great joy when we bring the reality of Jesus’ grace and love to the very ones who need it most.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many. – Matthew 20:28
Because we live in this fallen world, betrayal, disrespect, and brokenness run rampant.
People may take your service for granted.
People may not appreciate your sacrifice of love and generosity.
It is very difficult to trust and serve flawed, imperfect people.
However, you can absolutely trust our holy and perfect God. Our service is done unto Him.
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me. – Matthew 25:40
When I struggle with loving the unlovable, I remember that God didn’t seek out loveliness or worthiness within me before He offered His love that saved my life.
When I struggle with sacrificing my time, energy, or resources, I remember that the many blessings God has poured out in my life weren’t given for me to hoard, but entrusted to me to invest in the lives of others.
When I struggle with competing for a higher position or desiring recognition, I remember that the ground is level at the foot of the cross.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. – Matthew 23:12
To be great before God is to serve Him and others humbly in our daily lives. God sees even the smallest acts of kindness we perform. In His great love, He treats anything we do for others as though those things were done for Him personally. God promises He will reward us for our righteousness and our faithfulness. Following Jesus’ example in this world comes with great challenges and oftentimes, at great cost, but with even greater reward than we can ever imagine.
Where has God been calling you to serve?
What obstacles, fears, or doubts are keeping you from experiencing the joy of being used by God?
How can we pray for you as you make humble service part of your daily lifestyle?
Peace and grace to you,