We are not called to be people who think we are better than anyone else, but rather we are called to see the value in all, and to serve. Jesus came to love and serve and offer new life to all whom He encountered. He did not expect fanfare nor honor, despite the reality of who He was. Instead, He humbled Himself and sat beside sinners, loved lepers, protected prostitutes from persecution, and demonstrated to all, what it means to serve rather than be served. As followers of Christ, we are called to go and do likewise.
People who think they are better than others will be made humble. But people who humble themselves will be made great. – (Matthew 23:12, ERV)
But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. – (Matthew 23:12, NLT)
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.” – (Matthew 23:11-12, MSG)
The greatest aspiration that we can have in life, is to make our life count for Christ. We are each created with a plan and a purpose. If we walk out the purpose for which God intended, then we will stand out in Him – through humbly serving the One who strengthens and grants us the grace to do the very things to which we have been called. May we wake each day with ears to hear and hearts that are ready and willing to serve.
The way to stand out,
is to choose step down;
to reach out and love,
those who need be found.
We are called to serve,
to follow Christ’s way;
in humility,
love others each day.
No one can be great,
knocking others down;
great is in lifting,
those who need be found.
Let us choose to serve,
be humble and kind;
show God’s love and light,
as hope is defined.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to show us what it means to humble oneself and serve. Thank You Jesus, that as You served and humbled Yourself, You gave light and life to all who trust in You. Thank You Father that Christ’s humility brought Him to Your right hand, where He is seated on His rightful throne, granting us forgiveness and grace. Forgive us for not seeing ourselves through Your lens – either too highly or not as enough – for either way, we are not honoring You. Teach us to trust You and who You have intentionally created us to be, so that we would go forth and serve as we are called. Let our lives count for what matters to You. Show us how to love others in such a way, that hearts are drawn unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we choose to humbly serve others, just as Jesus served all whom He encountered. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up. – James 4:10
Revelations In Writing 
Amen!