THE GLORY OF LOWLY SERVICE

Luke 22:24-30

A young woman who lives with her parents on a small government allowance complains of continual depression and weariness. Yet when I suggested that she seek employment or engage in volunteer work, she resisted. She thinks that accepting a lowly task would be demeaning. J Gresham Machen, the world-renowned theologian, accepted lowly work while serving as a YMCA volunteer during World War 1. He was assigned the task of making hot chocolate at a canteen. Since it had to be ready at 7a.m., Machen would get up before 5. He often didn’t get his own breakfast until the middle of the morning. Although Machen would have been an excellent counselor to the servicemen, he honored God by accepting a mundane task without complaining.

In Old Testament times, it was an honor for the Levites to do the manual labor associated with the tabernacle and temple. Likewise, the apostle Paul wasn’t ashamed to make tents. The Lord Himself washed His disciples’ feet. And lowly task, done as unto the Lord, affords a unique opportunity to exalt Him and do demonstrate the reality of our faith. Christians can find joy no matter where they serve.

Give me to serve in humble sphere, I ask no more beside; content to feel a little place if God be glorified.