Authentic service to others is one of the greatest examples of humility. A servant will be trampled on, will be taken advantage of, will be overlooked. I struggle with this because every ounce of my flesh wants to fight against being someones "doormat". I have found myself becoming angry and bitter because in my ignorant and immature way of thinking - people should be recognizing my selflessness; and not only that, they should be striving to serve me as well.
However, just as I am mulling over how mistreated I am and becoming more and more bitter over what others should be doing differently and what they should be recognizing in me; I realize that I am struggling with a sin that is a poison to the very heart of service God is trying to cultivate within me. Pride.
The moment I allow anger to arise within me because I feel that I am entitled to something more, I have become proud and selfish. At that point, my heart is no longer a heart of service; it is a selfish and wicked heart that uses the veil of service for recognition and appreciation. It is a heart that is self seeking and is providing service upon condition. I am fooling myself if i continue to think that I am acting out of love for others.
Service and humility are completely entwined. Being a servant requires that I be satisfied in being overlooked, and trampled on. Not only that I be satisfied, but that I consider it a blessing. I need to work on my humility because serving others is impossible if humility is not also present.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
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