If I could choose a phrase to remind myself of every single day, it would be “I am a servant of all.”
Everywhere I turn, I find people who are searching for popularity, success in a career, or happiness through financial gain. They’re trying to appeal to a bigger audience, or gain the most likes on their social media accounts. It seems that the focus is always about promoting “me.”
Yet Scripture states the exact opposite: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12).
You see, Jesus is all about serving others. He is all about putting your own wants, desires, or needs last, while putting someone else’s before yourself.
It’s a beautiful thing when you see someone who is focused on uplifting Jesus through a life of genuine servanthood. It might be a mother doing the mundane tasks everyday, while pouring herself into raising her children to be more like Jesus. It might be a father who sacrifices his all to provide for his family and daily bring them together in prayer and family Bible study. It might be the friend who takes the time to send encouragement through a hug, or by lifting you up in prayer — not for the praise of others, but just because they are reflecting Jesus. It might be the husband or wife who are dedicated to each other as they constantly look for ways to serve.
As a little self check in my own life, I ask myself these questions:
- Am I easily discouraged when it seems no one notices the day-to-day things that I achieve?
- Are there tasks too mundane for me?
- Am I actively looking and pursuing ways to serve those closest to me — or those who could never repay?
Jesus was the greatest example of this, and more than any other thing, this is what I want my husband and children to see in me, because we are never more like Jesus than when we are serving Him or others.
Love,
Erin
