Serve in Humility, Tears, & Trials

In Acts 20 we find Paul addressing the Ephesian Elders. He speaks to them and tells them from the first day that he came to Asia, he served the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials.

This really grabbed a hold of me when I read it. How are we to serve? The explanation is clearly stated. We are to serve with humility, tears, and to endure trials. There is a trap we fall into so easily when serving in ministry. It is so easy to let pride come in and focus on getting attention for ourselves. To expect something in return. If you encourage someone you want encouragement back, if you provide for someone's need you want a return for that, if you speak or share a talent you want applause, etc. To truly serve is to give and not expect anything in return. Not even to expect a thank you. You are serving! How many times has Jesus given us something and we didn't even say thanks..
We serve in humility, we exteem others higher then ourselves. We give all credit and praise to the Lord. True service is giving of your time, your talents, and your finances and being happy to do it all without any gain for yourself. To serve in tears, to have so much compassion for others that you mourn and grieve over their pain. Your heart breaks for them. To care about your neighbor's problems more then your own. That is the heart of a true servant. And trials...to endure. To not give up on anyone just because it causes you discomfort or pain. To truly see their need above your own.

• HUMILITY: Be utterly yielded to the Lord. Be submissive to his absolute rights to control your life. Be willing clay in the Potter's hands. And be a debtor to all people. Don't dwell on what people owe you. Think about how the grace of God makes you a debtor to all.
• TEARS: If you are shedding them, be comforted. You are in good company with Paul. And if you are not, perhaps you should look for someone who needs you. Or perhaps pray that God would help you see what is at stake in the battle for faith and hope and holiness.
• TRIALS: If you are being tried, then hear the word of James: "Count it all joy, brothers, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Make me a servant. Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up those that are weak

And may the prayer of my heart always be

Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today

Let us remember the one we serve. We serve Almighty God who created the heavens and the eath. The Alpha & Omega! God..who thought it nothing to give us His very best. His Son! We serve, Jesus! Who lowered Himself to leave His throne and become a baby born in a manger, and grew up in the poorest of places. Jesus, who humbled Himself to wash the disciples feet (a job not even done by the servants but the lowest of the low!) and Jesus, who put us first by taking our sin, shame, guilt, and penalty upon Himself. God in human flesh who was rejected, beaten, spit on, mocked, died a horrific death and did it all in our place.

He exteemed us better then Himself. He served us in humility. He served us in tears as He wept over us, and He served us in trials.

How can we do any less?