HUMILITY IN SERVICE

 

Many times, we have heard it said, ªServe with humility.ª But, today the Lord is leading me to share on having humility in service!

Is this redundant_ Well, let me explain! 

Sometimes, as we all serve in different ways, our pride can ooze through in one form or another. Romans 12:3 even says that people think of themselves more highly than they ought to, by calling it 'self-worship', all in the line of service!

Yet, God chose the humblest of men and women to serve by first revealing their humility. Remember the lowly shepherds when the angel appeared to announce the birth of the Messiah? 

Let's get the basics out of the way first and define humility, which is freedom from pride, always pointing to their resources that come from God alone. That means, complete dependence on God! In Greek, it is tapeinos: in a low degree or disposition.

Working in an industry that is basically all about 'SERVICE', I can testify personally that I definitely had to learn the vital importance of humility as we serve. I can also add that I have seen many of my colleagues walk through this lesson; with them and myself, I look back and want to cringe thinking of how conceited one can be even when they are serving others! Yikes!

Philippians 2:3-4 says to do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves by looking to others' interests.  

One author writes to those who serve in the ministry to "Be aware and careful of Pastoral Posturing, which is an artificial/pretend attitude by portraying oneself to impress others." 

Isn't that interesting? Pastoral posturing in pretending we are humbling serving to impress others!

This could be when we lead worship, to give to the homeless! It can be doing mission work in a foreign field or greeting someone when they come to church. 

All of this service shall be done with what the Greek definition says; knowing all we do must be totally depending on God! It is because of Him that we can do all things! He is our true Source, guide, and strength! And we want our lives; that is what we say and do to constantly point to Jesus! How will people truly see Jesus if we do not walk humbly?