Humility. Now that topic is a tough one. Are we not thankful for those fellow Christians who can write on this sensitive topic? Yes. My fear is to write an article on humility where the byline reads, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Yet, we cannot ignore this most important aspect of Christian character. Therefore, I prayerfully approach today’s topic with a heart stirred by the beauty of Scripture, not with observations drawn from a good look in a mirror. In fact, my personal mirror only reflects the work still to do on this great virtue. Today, let us consider together the joy of observing humble service – humility expressed through gracious and quiet acts for others.

The Biblical Foundation of Humble Service

To understand the joy of watching someone humbly serve, we must first anchor ourselves in two of my favorite Scriptures. First, a vivid example is found in John 13:3-15, where Jesus, knowing His His death and imminent return to the Father was at hand, performed a remarkable act of humility. Notice how John describes it: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded” (John 13:3-5). This task, typically reserved for the lowliest servant, was shocking from the One who is Lord and Teacher (John 13:13-14). Yet Jesus explained, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15). John uses the word wash which emphasizes a careful, personal act of service, and Jesus’ example calls believers to serve others with the same selfless humility, regardless of status or recognition.

The second critical text is Philippians 2:3-8 which further helps us understand this principle. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:3-8). Here, Paul exhorts believers to reject pride and adopt “lowliness of mind,” prioritizing others’ needs. Christ, the ultimate example, emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, driven by love and not obligation.

Together, John 13 and Philippians 2 reveal humble service as a gracious, quiet, reflection of Christ’s heart, which is content to labor without applause.

The Joy of Observing Humble Service

I titled today’s post as The Joy of Observing Humble Service. So, why does watching someone serve humbly evoke joy? Let me suggest three reasons.

First, it reflects the character of Christ. When a believer quietly washes dishes after a church fellowship, visits a shut-in without broadcasting it, mows the church grass without fanfare, or sacrifices time to help a struggling neighbor, we see a glimpse of Jesus’ selflessness, as when He washed the disciples’ feet. This resemblance of Christ’s example stirs our hearts, for we were created to delight in that which glorifies God (cf., Ps 16:11).

Second, humble service edifies the body of Christ. In Romans 12:4-6, Paul describes the church as one body with many members, each gifted to serve. He writes, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.” When someone serves quietly – perhaps organizing the nursery, preparing for junior camp, or praying faithfully for others – they strengthen the whole body. Observing this fosters joy because it reveals the Spirit’s work in uniting and building up the church.

Third, humble service points to the transformative power of the gospel. A prideful heart seeks recognition, but a heart changed by grace serves without demanding reward. In Luke 17:10, Jesus teaches, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” When we see someone embody this attitude, joy arises because it testifies to God’s sanctifying work. Their quiet service declares that the gospel has taken root, producing fruit that honors God.

The Challenge of Living Out Humble Service

How do we apply this truth? Philippians 2:5 instructs, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” and John 13:15 reinforces this, as Jesus commands us to follow His example of servanthood. We cultivate Christ’s humble attitude by serving others without seeking recognition. Practically, this might look like volunteering for unnoticed tasks, speaking encouragement without expecting thanks, or giving generously without drawing attention, among so so many other options.

Moreover, we must guard against pride, which can taint even our service. The Pharisees sought praise for their deeds (Matt 6:1-2), but Jesus calls us to serve in secret, trusting that our Father sees (Matt 6:4). As we observe others serve humbly, we are challenged to examine our own motives. Does our service flow from love for God and others, or do we crave affirmation?

Finally, we can foster joy in our church body by celebrating humble service. While such servants often shun the spotlight, we can quietly affirm their efforts, perhaps with a private word of gratitude or a prayer of blessing. This encourages those around us and inspires others to follow their example.

A Personal Reflection

As a pastor, I witness and have witnessed countless acts of humble service – a member taking someone to a doctors appointment, a busy mother preparing meals for a grieving family, a teenager mowing a lawn for an elderly couple, and and and and. Each time, my heart swells with joy, as I see Christ in them – just as I imagine the disciples marveled at Jesus’ humility in John 13. These moments remind me that the church is not built on grand gestures in the limelight but on the quiet, faithful service of those who love and serve in humility as Jesus loves and served in humility.

Let us, then, cherish the privilege of watching humble service as demonstrated by those in the body of Christ around us and strive to emulate Jesus ourselves in our own. May we find joy in the lowly tasks, knowing they reflect the heart of our Savior, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).