Servanthood. It's on my mind and heart constantly lately. It's my brain's topic d'jour! Lots of us like to lead. Jesus said to lead, you must serve. I love this, but it can be easier said than done. People look at serving as something we do here and there. I praise God because I know it is meant to be more, it is meant to be a lifestyle. In my selfish pride, I have for a long time desired to be a leader. It is always high on the ranks when I take those spiritual gifts tests. Who wouldn't rather give an inspiring speech over cleaning up messes and not even getting noticed for it? Well, lately, I wouldn't. I am learning that when you serve God with humility and sincerity, surrendering your desire for recognition or personal gain, there is a blessing that is given from Him to you. It is something there's simply no words for. A joy that seeps deeper into your skin than any surface skimming accolades of your peers. God's joy. I smile just at the thought of it. It goes beyond the satisfaction of knowing you did a good thing.
How did this happen? I am not sure. But if I had to guess, at some point-out of love for and obedience to God-I determined to fill a need if I see one. Whether in front of others or in private, to go the extra mile. Now, there have been many times when my pride or selfishness has fought and won when I had an opportunity. But not giving up. I learned to stifle that urge to "show off" my work, in fact, I might go out of my way to hide that it was me doing it. Doing this repeatedly established a habit. That mysterious amazing joy I spoke of earlier definitely fueled that habit. Before I knew it, serving had become one of my most favorite things to do. If you ask me when i die, whether I would rather leave the legacy of being an influential leader or a humble servant, I would choose the latter. Better yet, I would rather not be remembered so much at all as God be glorified. Let my quotes be marked anonymous, but let them exalt the Name above all names!
