A Lesson In Humble Service

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. —Matthew 23:11

A ranking government official who came into President Lincoln’s office was startled to find the chief executive shining his shoes. “Sir,” he gasped, “surely you do not polish your own shoes!” “Of course,” replied the humble President. “Whose do you polish?” The greatness of a man is evidenced by his humility. In the words of an old Filipino saying, “The taller the bamboo grows, the lower it bends.”

The greatest example of this is the life of Jesus. He “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7). Jesus “laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.” When He was finished He said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:4-5, 14-15)

Am I willing to serve people as Jesus did? When I humble myself, then God will give me the grace to grow into maturity where, I like the tall bamboo, can lower myself to serve those of “low estate” (see Rom. 12:16).

How tall are you spiritually? Tall and flexible enough to bend low and serve people in all kinds of situations?