Servanthood
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness”
-Philippians 2:5-7
Jesus said that in humility we should considers others better than ourselves, and that we should not look to our own interests, but to the interests of others.
These past two months, our host families have been serving for us…cooking for us, preparing water, helping us wash clothes, washing our hands, serving us tea, among other acts of humility. It is humbling to have others look out for your needs when you have shown up to serve them, and to show them the love of Christ.
The first month we were in Kenya, the men that served us, served us whole-heartedly, and really exemplified the love of Christ in the way that they served us every day. They served us without expecting anything in return. They served us in love. In the love that Jesus had for each one of our hearts and lives. It was not out of selfish ambition or gain, but out of such a pure love. It helped me realize what a godly man was and what kind of man god wants in my life someday.
It really had an affect on how I will remember to carry that attitude of servanthood to others around me. Servanthood has nothing to do with position or power, but everything to do with seeing others as God sees them. It is an expression of love. We do it not to get praise or a reward but because it is how Christ would be. If Christ lives in us, we will serve others in whole-hearted love. When we express the love of Christ in action, we are modeling who Jesus is.
There are too many people who think that because God loves them they deserve certain things…we don’t deserve anything. God blesses those who bless those around him. He loves those who love his people. He humbles those who humble themselves. He shows compassion towards those who display compassionate love.
This month I was humbled…Our pastor and hosts saw a servant in me. We each got a gift made of clay that had to do with our spiritual gifts, and Pastor Rosemary and Mama Sarah saw a servant’s heart being mine. I know I still have a lot of growing to do, but the Lord has been teaching me about what it looks like to have a servant’s heart.
So I will choose to continue to serve…we are about to go into month 3 of the World Race into Rwanda. Please pray for my team as we continue to face challenges and grow spiritually. Continue to lift up the ministry work we are doing so that we can really exemplify who Jesus is to the Nations. We need prayers for the spiritual battles we face.
