The Purpose of Servanthood: An Act of Humility

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of the essence of true servanthood. The world often teaches us to prioritize our own desires, ambitions, and pride. Yet, the scripture Matthew 23:12 reminds us: "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." This verse is powerful. It sheds light on a profound truth about the nature of humility. Humility plays an integral role in servanthood. 

Humility at the Core of Servanthood 

At the heart of servanthood lies humility. It is the quality that prompts us to place others’ needs above our own. It encourages us to set aside our personal desires. It leads us to serve selflessly. Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but about thinking of ourselves less. It drives us to act without seeking recognition or reward. It fosters a spirit of genuine care and compassion for others. 

Whether you are someone who cleans the bathroom in a corporate office space or the C.E.O. of a Fortune 500 company, humility should be at the forefront of the character that motivates you to serve. Humility isn’t about feeling ashamed, it’s about acknowledging and honoring another person.  

The Selfless Nature of Humility 

To embrace humility means to approach life with a selfless attitude. It requires us to shed our pride and ego, recognizing that our worth is not determined by accolades or achievements. Instead, humility allows us to find fulfillment in acts of service, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. By focusing on the needs of others, we become vessels of kindness and grace. We spread love and compassion in our communities. 

Jesus wasn’t thinking of himself on the road to the cross. He thought about every person, past, present, and future. Their lives were going to be impacted by the sacrifice he was making.  

Whether you’re talking about athletes, artists, first responders, soldiers or politicians, the greatest ones are those who are mindful. They know they do not act for personal gain but for what they give. 

Aligning with the Humble Nature of Christ 

Christ's life exemplifies the ultimate act of humility. He came into this world not to be served, but to serve. His teachings and actions reflect a deep commitment to putting others first and living a life of sacrificial love. When we embrace humility, we align ourselves with the very nature of Christ. We become true servants, mirroring His character and embodying His message of selfless love. 

I can think of many people in my hometown who exemplified this humble nature. These are individuals from where I grew up. Two women in particular became household names in our town and are legends for their selfless actions. The first was Mary Dobkin. As a child, she spent much of her own youth in hospitals and care homes. As an adult, much of her life was lived in poverty. Yet, she believed that sports were a key to positive influence on the lives of children.  

She worked with disadvantaged youths through sports programs. She worked with thousands of young people over the many years that she dedicated her life to coaching. Two young people became professional ball players. It’s said that she volunteered all of her service time because taking a salary would have jeopardized her disability benefits. 

The other woman, Bea Gaddy was known as the Mother Teresa of Baltimore. She dedicated so much of her life to feeding the homeless and impoverished. She fed thousands of people, and her Thanksgiving campaigns were among the greatest outreaches for the city. 

Neither of these women sought fame or notoriety. They did what they did with humility and from a place of compassion rooted in empathy and sympathy. Their own lives were not far removed from the lives they impacted. In a way, these women are similar to Jesus. It was said about him, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses... (Hebrews 4:15a)”. They humbly served because they understood their own experiences. This understanding enabled them to empathize with the plight of those they served. 

Reflecting God's Character Through Humility 

By embracing humility, we reflect God's character in our lives. Humility draws us closer to Him, allowing us to experience His grace and mercy more profoundly. It teaches us to approach life with a servant's heart. We are always ready to lend a helping hand. We support those in need. When we serve others with humility, we become living testimonies of God's love. We make a lasting impact on the world around us. 

Conclusion 

The purpose of servanthood is to embody humility in our actions and attitudes. It calls us to put aside our own desires, prioritize the needs of others, and serve selflessly. As we humble ourselves, we become exalted in God's eyes, reflecting His character and love in our daily lives. Let us embrace the true essence of servanthood. We are inspired by Christ's example. Let us strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.