Being Great/Successful/ (whatever word you want to use) Requires Humility

You want to be great? Serve. You want to be first? Be last. You want to make it to the front? You start in the back. You want to stand out in life? You step down. And you start now. And just start with the little things.

When Jesus hung on the cross that was an act of servanthood. Right before that He met with His closest friends, His disciples, at the Last Supper, He said “I want to leave you with an image. Remember a while back when you guys fought over who’s going to be the greatest? I want you to see what I’m all about.” And He got on His hands and knees, grabbed a towel and proceeded to wash their dirty, stinky feet. Then He went and hung on the cross. That is the picture of serving.

Like the disciples we want the throne. Jesus says, go for the towel instead because in that towel you will find blessings and rewards. The great life that you want—it’s in the towel. Serve!

I don’t know about you guys, but I am selfish. And for us as men, selfishness seems to magnify itself when we want something for ourselves. It has taken me all of my 47 years to understand my selfishness and to get a hold of it. I used to think I could serve others and still focus on my needs and wants, but that just isn’t so.

So…

Where To Start

I want this to be really practical. Here are some little acts of service to help get our focus off of ourselves. Let’s start at home:

  • pick stuff up that isn’t yours;
  • clean up a mess that you didn’t make (or at least offer to help your kids clean up their messes).
  • Do a load of laundry.
  • Wash those dirty dishes on the counter.
  • Don’t be afraid to eat last.
  • Gather a neighbor’s newspaper.
  • Don’t insist on your television station or your radio program.
  • For the ladies in your home: put the toilet seat down.
  • How about this: listen instead of talk. Have you ever thought of listening as an act of service?

It’s really all about the small things! THE KEY IS, don’t wait to be asked before you start to serve. Just do it on your own.