Humility in service

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the necessity of humility in service, and affirms that humility is an essential attribute of the servant because service is a call to self-denial and following, not to personal glory or singleness.

Why humility is important?

• Because the Lord Jesus taught the disciples meekness and gentleness: “learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart.”

• Because the name “servant” implies that a person serves and does not exalt or become arrogant, and service is not a means to build oneself but to exalt the glory of God.

Characteristics of the humble servant

• He refuses showing off information or inventing rites and new ideas that go beyond the church’s tradition.

• He speaks in simple language suitable to the listeners’ mentality and respects those older and more learned.

• He denies himself, does not seek positions, and obeys order and leadership with meekness and love.

Life of discipleship and continuous learning

• The true servant lives a continuous discipleship: he remains a learner who reads and benefits from elders, books, nature, and spiritual gatherings.

• Discipleship prevents pride and leads to accepting counsel and harmony with church structures.

Service to popular and poor areas

• Humility appears in readiness to serve in villages and needy neighborhoods, not only in famous churches.

• Serving in simple places yields spiritual experience and enrichment for the church.

Practical advice

• Preserve the spirit of discipleship: sit as a learner in several meetings and seek guidance.

• Prepare your lessons simply and respect the mentality of listeners and do not rely on excessive self-confidence.

• Divide your service: if you serve in a large church, also allocate time to serve needy places.

Spiritual dimension (from the Coptic Orthodox perspective)
Humility is the embodiment of the Beatitudes; the poor in spirit have the kingdom of heaven. The humble servant is a sign of Christ’s presence, he decreases so that He may increase, and makes service a means for the salvation of souls and the manifestation of God’s glory.

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