Humble service
by Neville Grieger
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‘Whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater’ (Matthew 11:11).
The concept of genuine humble service to others is perhaps a signature characteristic of the Christian life. Servanthood does not come easy, because it is hardwired into human nature to look out for number one – (in triplicate) me, myself and I. Like so many teachings of Jesus, they are upside down in comparison to the way the world thinks and works.
The concept of leadership provides us with an excellent example. In the corporate world, and even in government, huge amounts of power and authority rest with the person at the top. Servant leadership, on the other hand, inverts the pyramid of power, with the leader operating at the bottom of the pile, working for and with (serving) the people in the levels that sit above.
I worked in Lutheran Education for many years. One incredible act of service and consideration for others still stands out in my mind. A young female student in Year 9 had just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Despite being a superbly fit, elite athlete, it was quickly becoming clear that the cancer would win the battle, and it was likely that this girl’s life was going to be cut tragically short. The Make a Wish Foundation became involved. What happened next stunned our school community. The girl requested that her rowing club be gifted a state-of-the-art lightweight quad scull boat. The boat duly arrived, but the girl was so ill that she did not get to row in it herself – but she left a wonderful legacy for her teammates, her club and her community to enjoy. What an incredible example of selflessness!
Lord, we thank you that you turned the world upside down with your thinking. Thank you for modelling servanthood for us. Help us in these difficult times to sharpen our focus on others and to look out for the needs of those around us – in gratitude for what you have done for us. Amen.
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