Humble Servanthood
Our society today is one
of independence, self-assertion, and competition.
Greatness and success are determined by
acquired degrees and accumulated medals.
Not so, in the upside-down kingdom of God.
There it is based on servanthood, and Jesus is our model.
Humility is positioning myself
in right relationship with God and others.
It is acknowledging God as the good, gracious, and generous Giver
and agreeing that I am, as others,
the grateful recipient of His benevolence.
Therefore, I walk “on the level” with my fellowmen,
seeking to relate in ways
that are gentle, considerate, and encouraging.
Humility is the quality that reaches into the hearts of others
because it accepts them as they are but invites them, by example,
to consider an alternate way of relating,
(than the one touted as necessary for success by our society),
the way of Jesus.
It was Jesus who willingly sacrificed His heavenly state
to dwell among us in a physical body
and teach us how to serve our fellowmen.
God, keep me mindful of who I am in relation to You,
aware of my humanity, my sins and shortcomings.
Keep showing me where I need to grow
so that I can more graciously relate to those
whose lives intersect with mine today.
By Twila Charles Leichty