Humility in Service

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III gives a lecture focusing on the necessity of humility in the life of the Christian servant. The talk explains that the name “servant” means that he serves, and that humility is one of the most important spiritual qualities that Christian service must possess. Christ himself set the example of humility by washing the feet of his disciples and described himself as gentle and humble in heart, therefore the servant must learn from him.

The spiritual and disciple-making dimension
Service is not a rank or a title to lift the heart, but a continuity in discipleship. Discipleship does not stop when a person becomes a teacher or servant; rather he must remain a disciple all his life, learning from books, nature, spiritual guides and from others even the young. The spirit of discipleship preserves the servant from the spirit of argumentation and pride.

Humility in practical practice
The lecture urges servants to remain subject to the priesthood and not to forget their true function: serving the people. The servant should accept service in needy places — villages, popular neighborhoods and poor areas — and not seek prestigious churches or big titles. Whoever accepts service in humble places gains great spiritual experience.

Organizational and behavioral advice
The servant ought to be characterized by obedience and not arrogance, and to participate as a disciple in family meetings, youth meetings, servants’ meetings and classroom sessions. Continuing in discipleship makes the servant able to listen with a good spirit and to learn instead of entering into debate and stubbornness.

Spiritual summary
Humility in service expresses likeness to Christ’s example and the service of angels and apostles, and it must be translated into deeds: service of the altar, to the needy, and to the Word. Humility spares the servant pride and preserves him in his relationship with the church and the people, and whoever serves in humble places attains deep spiritual fruit.

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