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Serving Others with Humility

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”¹

When I was young, my family served as missionaries to Mexico for 12 years. My father was the pastor of a small church and my mother, siblings and I served alongside him where needed. During our years there, I fondly remember an elderly woman named Consuelo. She was no taller than 5 ft and had a petite build. She, as most of the families in our church, came from low income households and had limited resources.  Her husband was an alcoholic and did not attend church with her, but this did not discourage her from attending every service and bible study offered. She was also on the rotation of families who volunteered to help clean the church campus. She was always available and willing to serve with a positive attitude.

There is something that comes to my mind when I think of her. She came to church on the bus every week, as she did not drive. There were many times I remember her carrying a five-gallon jug of purified drinking water with her. These jugs weighed approximately 43.8lbs, so not easy to carry. However, she would bring the water to make agua fresca (fruit water) to share with the church members. If she wasn’t bringing water, then she was bringing food items to share. Later, she allowed my dad to give her rides to church and agreed to use the water my dad would purchase because we didn’t want her carrying it. This was the way she showed love to the people of the church, and she did it wholeheartedly. When she passed away, I was deeply saddened to lose such an inspirational woman, but at the same time I rejoiced as I knew she would be rejoicing in the presence of God. Her example of faithfulness, serving with humility, and always putting others before herself was a great example for me and continues to influence the way I serve.

There may be times when we feel that our talents are not enough when it comes to serving God. However, if we are willing to serve, God will take what we have and use it for His glory. As Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When we learn to work generously and faithfully for the Lord, with a willing and loving heart in all we do, God will use that to have a great impact on those around us and reach others for His Kingdom.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, I am available to be used by you. Please take all that I have and use it for your glory and to reach others with your love. I may not have a lot to offer you, but what I have I give it wholeheartedly believing that you can do extraordinary things through ordinary people. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

 

1. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV).