hard working servants
“I want to teach my kids how to be a hard worker. Show them what success looks like.”
The comment reverberated in my mind as trembling fingers typed out my letter of resignation.
Was I really going to do this? Willingly give up a job I loved, one ripe with great growth and potential?
After one short meeting, I lost my benefits, salary, and bonuses. Kissed my retirement plan goodbye. And traded my collection of pencil skirts and slacks for stretchy pants.
All sacrificed to stay home and meet the needs of my tiny baby.
James and John were preoccupied with position. Wanting to be at the top of the org chart. Desiring glory, recognition, and authority.
Jesus, let us have a seat beside you. Give us prominence…because that’s what matters, right?
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45)
I will be disappointed if my children grow up and claim they didn’t witness a hard work ethic displayed by both of their parents. But I will count it a great loss if they reach adulthood and believe that their job titles and positions are what’s deemed most valuable in God’s economy.
Jesus came as a king without a crown. He never positioned himself on a throne but rather took on the role of a servant.
Because that’s what God highly values.
A humble heart.
A servant’s heart.
Both are priceless in His eyes. And as a child of God, we can fulfill that calling no matter where we spend our days.
At this point in my life, I’m not certain I’ll ever hold a traditional job. I am almost positive I’ll never possess the title of chief, director, manager, or employee of the month.
So I may not have the opportunity to show my children what it looks like to climb the corporate ladder or earn a paycheck, but I have a daily opportunity to serve. And my prayer is that, with the help of Jesus, they’ll look back and see the example of a mom who was a hardworking servant of Christ.
And by His grace, they’ll do the same.
