Humble My Heart

When I was fresh out of college with a teaching certificate for a state I was not living in, I was hired to do an office job temporarily. In my great immaturity and self-righteousness, I truly felt the job of filing and organizing was beneath me since it did not use my acquired skills or recently earned degree. And as much as I would love to be able to say that I did whatever was asked of me with a positive and cheerful attitude, that just was not the case. In fact, in a conversation with my supervisor, I remember behaving with an edge of arrogance for which I was reprimanded. 

I believe the question that precedes this verse in Mark may have had a similar edge of arrogance. James and John asked to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus. The disciples were appalled at the selfishness and lack of humility. When I read this account, I am always initially shocked at the ego on display as well, but eventually, God nudges me and lovingly suggests looking a little closer to see where I might find myself in this story. Do I seek recognition? Do I want to be special at the expense of others? Would I benefit from a little humility? 

Jesus is clear in His words and His actions that we all are to humbly serve. “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) It may take some effort to quiet the noise of the world that suggests certain responsibilities are too low to be picked up. It may take some practice putting the needs of others first. But whenever I work and lead with humility for God’s glory, nothing is beneath me. When I humble my heart and serve with love and compassion, I look more like Jesus, the greatest servant of all. 

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Lord, humble my heart and open my eyes. Help me to quiet the world and focus on You. Show me where my priorities need to adjust and what needs may need to be placed above my own. Use me to love and serve others with humility and make me more like You for Your glory. Amen.