Humility in Service

His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the necessity of humility in Christian service and warns that positions and responsibilities may raise a person in his own sight causing him to lose his humility.

The concept of service and the servant

He explains that all ranks of service — from a simple servant to a priest or an official — are called service, and that the name “servant” gives a person dignity and the servant must remain remembering his service position.

Biblical examples

He cites the humility of the Lord Christ and His washing of the disciples’ feet and the calling of angels to service (Hebrews 1:14), and he also mentions the tradition of lifelong discipleship among the apostles and fathers.

Advice to preserve humility

He advises continuing in spiritual discipleship, avoiding arguments and pride in personal knowledge, being humble in relations with priests, colleagues and disciples, and keeping simplicity of heart and spiritual childhood.

Behaviors to avoid

He warns against pride, seeking positions and authority, imposing control over others, raising the voice or shouting in ministerial work, and destructive criticism of others.

Practical work of the humble servant

He calls for doing good in secret, not turning disciples into a copy of yourself, striving to be faithful in little rather than asking for many positions, and leaving space for others to grow according to their natures.

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