A Servant’s Heart

Mother Teresa was known worldwide for her care of the poor and outcast on the streets of Calcutta. Yet she said, “I do nothing of my own. God does it. I am a pencil, a tiny bit of pencil with which God writes what he likes.”

God uses people to love and to care for our world. People willing to lay aside ego, attend to the needs of others, give of themselves. God used a humble woman on the streets of Calcutta. And God wants to use each of us.

Humility and a servant’s heart also define Jesus, who came to give His life for all who are poor and needy. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant,” he said. (Matt 20:26). “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

Mother Teresa said she was God’s pencil. What does God want to write with you?

Gracious God, fill my heart with your self-giving love. Use me to do your work in this world. Guide and strengthen me by your Spirit that I may give myself in love and service to others through Jesus Christ. Amen

Questions for Discussion:

• Read Philippians 2:5–11. What do the words, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,” mean to you in practical, everyday terms?
• In what ways do you struggle with the idea of servant-like humility?