Humility in Service

The lecture presents a deep spiritual vision about humility as the essential core of church service. It explains how the servant in the Church must reflect the humble Christ, beware of every form of pride—whether intellectual or practical—and remain always a learner, a loving servant, and a quiet spirit who hides himself so that Christ may be revealed.

First: The meaning of the title “Servant”

• His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the word servant itself carries the spirit of humility, and is better than other titles such as “teacher” or “preacher,” because the servant serves and does not dominate.
• Christ Himself called Himself a servant, and He bent down and washed the disciples’ feet; so how can anyone serving in His name become proud?
• Even the angels were called “ministering spirits,” and the apostles were called “servants of the New Covenant.”

Second: Humility through the spirit of discipleship

• The Pope explains that a true servant never stops learning and does not imagine that he has risen above the level of discipleship.
• He mentions examples such as Joshua with Moses, Elisha with Elijah, and St. Athanasius with St. Anthony.
• Discipleship protects the heart from argument, pride, and plants obedience and simplicity.

Third: Humility in serving simple and poor places

• The Pope warns against servants who desire service only in large and famous churches while neglecting needy villages and popular districts.
• He calls the servant to love the small places, for they are closest to the heart of Christ, who “went about the cities and villages.”
• He narrates his personal experience serving the poor and street children and the joy he found in such humble service.

Fourth: Humility in teaching

• The Pope strongly warns against the servant who invents new doctrines, opposes church tradition, or teaches what the Church has not received.
• He explains that lack of humility in teaching led to the rise of hundreds of denominations.
• The humble servant speaks simply, without showing off knowledge, offering what benefits the people rather than what displays himself.

Fifth: Humility in the sense of self

• The servant must hide himself so that Christ appears: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
• The Pope warns against the servant who uses service to build his own image, seek positions, or claim authority.
• Humility appears in quietness, obedience, respect for others, and peace with everyone.

Sixth: Humility in behavior and dealings

• The humble person enters like a gentle breeze and leaves like a gentle breeze, harming no one, raising no voice, and causing no wounds.
• Humility appears at home, in church, at work, with the clergy, with fellow servants, and with students.
• He reminds that the first Beatitude is: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

Summary (the spiritual essence):

The true servant is one who:

• Sees himself as a follower, not a ruler.
• Lives as a continual disciple.
• Serves the poor before the rich.
• Holds fast to the Church’s teaching without innovation.
• Works with gentleness, love, and humility.
• Hides himself so that Christ may appear in his life and service.
• For better translation support, please contact the center.