A Servant’s Heart

 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20: 25-28

Today’s passage was as much needed reminder for me this week. I work in a service industry and my job is to assist others with their questions, plans and adventures. In my line of work I have the opportunity to speak with many different people everyday. Some are seasoned travelers, vendors and wholesalers and other are setting out on their first great adventure. Each one is just as important as the other.

As with every job there are moments of frustration that put a servant’s heart to the test. Some of mine are delayed responses, interruptions, repeating instructions over and over, after hours calls and texts that are not urgent. It’s in those moments that my mind occasionally begins to think more of myself than I should. The situation becomes about me and my time and I begin to allow myself to mentally go places that I shouldn’t. When I do, I begin to resent and even dread picking up the phone.

The Lord gently reminded me this week that I am called to be a servant, not just at my job, but in life. Each person I encounter in a day is placed there by God, with purpose, and He has already given me the ability to help them. He then gives me the choice of how my heart will respond.

I remember calling a church office years ago and the receptionist answered the call by introducing herself then saying, “How may I serve you?” That’s the response of a true servant’s heart. How different my attitude would be towards my momentary frustrations if I thought of myself as a Godly servant rather than a high and mighty business owner.

I received more of God’s gentle teaching and correction while reading Philippians 2:3-5 which reads, Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. (TPT)

Father, thank you for your loving correction and teaching. Please forgive my selfish pride and arrogance. Help me think of others more than myself. Create a servant’s heart within me. In Jesus’ name, amen.