ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “...but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:7, ESV
Theme: We follow the Jesus Mindset when we willingly take the place of a servant rather than grabbing for power and honor.
SHOW ME; DON’T TELL ME
Margaret Thatcher once famously said “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” It’s one of my favorite quotes because her words echo a deep truth…real power is not proven through proclamation but through posture.
Paul’s words in Philippians 2:7 remind us that Jesus willingly set aside His privileges and powers, taking on the attitude of a servant. He chose humility, love, and sacrifice over status or recognition. Sometimes the humble and quiet voices speak the loudest.
DON’T MISTAKE KINDNESS FOR WEAKNESS
Jesus, all-powerful God, didn’t announce or heavy-handedly enforce His authority. He revealed it by laying it down, by bending low, by washing feet, by caring for others, and ultimately, by giving His life. His strength was seen in humility, tenderness, and deference. Though He had every right to demand honor and obedience, He chose humility, service, and sacrifice.
WHY IS THIS SO HARD?
Our world measures greatness by power, position, and recognition. Promoting our accomplishments is a learned behavior. From a young age, we’re measured, compared, stack-ranked, and evaluated in so many areas of life, it creates a constant need to validate ourselves, asserting power and influence.
But…check out Luke 14:7-11 where Jesus tells a parable about humility. He uses the example of being invited to a wedding feast. Rather than charging to the front, taking the place of honor, He encourages us to first take the lowest place. “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11 NIV). Jesus further demonstrates a posture of servitude when He washes the feet of His disciples, just prior to His own crucifixion. If ever there was a time for Jesus to BE served, particularly considering what He was about to do, it was then. Instead, Jesus performed a lowly act of service, normally reserved for the lowest servant. He further instructed His disciples to wash one another’s feet, just as He had done for them. The ultimate Servant leadership!
Make It Personal: The servant’s path is not glamourous-it is often hidden, thankless, and unnoticed. But it is holy. Every act of selfless service reflects the heart of Christ. Consider for a moment that, sometimes, the greatest power is evidenced in restraint. As His followers, we are invited to embrace this same servant mindset. In our homes, workplaces, and communities, the call is not to promote our own status but to quietly, faithfully serve. It’s in those unseen, humble acts that His power in us will be seen.
Pray: Lord, You showed us that true power is found in humility. Help me lay aside my pride so I may serve others as You did. Forgive me when I’ve been egotistical. May my life quietly reflect Your greatness through love and selflessness. Amen.
Read: Philippians 2:3-11; Luke 14:7-11; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 5:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5, ESV