True story: Once upon a time, there was a pastor concerned with the potential to become prideful. To keep himself in check, he requested a certain task to be reserved for him alone: cleaning the men’s bathroom at the church.
The years passed. He wrote books and spoke around the world; yet every week he found the cleaner and the toilet brush where he’d left them.
This man of God was not a king. But, he was admired, respected, and exalted by thousands of Christians worldwide.
But what was his focus?
Whom he was serving: Jesus.
Not who was serving: himself.
He didn’t consider himself above any menial task when his career first began. Even after notable success, his self-appraisal did not change. He didn’t deem himself above any work, even one parishioners would gladly delegate from their beloved pastor.
The book deals and speaking engagements didn’t cloud his thoughts or actions with pride. Instead, he took intentional steps to ascertain pride could not, would not contaminate his heart.
How do we as Christians stay humble? The Lord blesses obedience. Sometimes those blessings include increased status, wealth or great respect. It can be easy to believe our time is better spent on “more important” things.
I personally found, my time is best spent on developing traits like Jesus.
He was humble.
He came to serve.
He didn’t come to be served.
Even though He is a King, He came to save the lost, all of us.
The psalmist instructs us, “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” Psalm 2:10-11(NIV)
Kings were warned. Rulers were warned. If even the most elite were admonished whom they needed to serve, that reminder suits each one of us.
I admire that pastor who took on a menial task to remind himself to contemplate his heart. His example gives me pause, and I wonder, what things do other Christians do to help maintain humility?
How do I look for opportunities to serve, no matter what the task? Where do I often find them?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for You ministry, Your example of how to search for ways to serve, not to expect to be served. Please help me spend some time in prayer, considering service, contemplating humility, and reflecting how ultimately my time spent here should be in service to You. Show me how I might gain humility this week, and how I can further serve You. Thank You for Your promise to provide what I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflections:
1) Do I consider myself ‘above’ certain tasks?
2) What is an action I can take today to proactively keep pride at bay?
Please share in the comments below: How do I keep pride at bay?