Service

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself ... Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  - Philippians 2:3,5-8

This aspect of the Christian life is so very hard to live.  When we are being blessed with success financially, with good children, in ministry, in friendships, with our hobbies, in our relationships, in our health or in any other area, it is difficult not to be proud.  Whether we think we have done something or we think we are above others and so God has blessed us, it can be a slippery slope to walk to be careful and not be proud. 

We are to serve others.  It should not be a goal for us to be lifted up before others.  We should not be working our ministry, or giving generously to a charitable effort, or fighting for some cause, so others can see how good we are.  Jesus purposely pointed this out in His observation with the disciples of watching how people gave their offerings at the temple.  These things are to be done with an intended secrecy so we are truly serving others and not ourselves.  If discovered and other men want to lift us up and present accolades, it is very important to present the source of our life and our ability to serve and to testify to the work that Jesus has done.

Jesus did not use His advantage as God's Son and come to the earth and rule it.  He could have done so, but where would man be in relation to God?  He came as a non-ruler, a poor man, but rich as the Father's Son, and served all of man by even subjecting himself to the rule of man so as to die on a cross so man could be in a relationship with God.  He, the most powerful "man" on the earth, humbled Himself to be ruled over, beaten, cursed, ridiculed and crucified.  All so each of us, so I, can know God personally.

I am to humble myself; I am to search out for all pride in my life and have it removed; I am to be mindful of the extreme Jesus went to for me and be willing to do as much for others.  I am to demonstrate God's grace and mercy to others, not because I'm doing them a favor, but because that is my best service to them.

Seemingly, the most difficult time for being proud is when we are tired.  There will exist a time when we have served many, given much, and feel forgotten.  We might even be under some kind of attack from finances, children making bad choices, have serious health issues, friendships crumbled, or some other happenstance.  It is this time when we may be tempted to believe we deserve something.  ...  Where is my reward Lord?  ...  It was at this time that Jesus prayed His deepest prayers.  It was at this time that Jesus was asked for an alternate course, but yielded to His Father's will.  ...  In all of our life, the simplicity of personal communion with our living Christ, must be all we desire or want.  Do not let a need to feel like your life mattered take hold.  If you live your life clinging closely with Jesus in your heart, your life matters. 

As He gave to the end of his physical life, so let us pray that we might be able to give as He did, in humility and in service.