My Tribute

I've been reflecting on and thinking about humble servanthood as I've been reading Cross-Cultural Servanthood.

One quote that has really stood out to me is this:

"What marked them has humble was their 'ongoing choice to credit God, not themselves, for their natural gifts.' They shared a profound belief that all they were and all they were able to do was by the gracious gifts God had lovingly given them, and the empowering strength of the Holy Spirit (page 30)."

This morning, my grandfather's recording of My Tribute came up on my iTunes and I was reminded of how true these words were in Papa's life, as they are true in any humble servant of the Lord's life. Of all the people I've ever known, my Papa's life best defines humble servanthood. He was always quick to say everything he had was on loan from the Lord. His singing voice, preaching ability, counseling ability, wisdom, strength, perseverance, daily reliance on the Lord all came straight from the Lord. 


Hearing his voice sing these words brought encouragement to me, but at the same time, I miss him all over again. 

How can I say thanks 
For the things you have done for me 
Things so undeserved 
Yet You gave to prove your love for me 
The voices of a million angels

Could not express my gratitude

All that I am and ever hope to be

I owe it all to thee

To God be the glory, to God be the glory

To God be the glory,

For the things He has done

With His blood He has saved me

With His power He has raised me

To God be the glory,

For the things He has done

Just let me live my life

And let it be pleasing Lord to thee

And should I gain any praise

Let it go to Calvary

With His blood He has saved me

With His power He has raised me

To God be the glory

For the things He has done

To God be the glory, to God be the glory

To God be the glory,

For the things He has done

With His blood He has saved me

With His power He has raised me

To God be the glory,

For the things He has done

It's days like today when I wish I could call Papa up and ask him some questions...ask him to counsel me. Learn from his life stories. The last time I saw Papa, he told me, "Next time I see you, I'm going to give you a big kiss on the cheek." I'm really looking forward to that kiss on my cheek after meeting my Savior and rejoicing in His presence. 

Humble servanthood=recognizing and living as if you are nothing and can do nothing apart from Christ's work in you, but it's also recognizing that you can do all things through his work in you. 

It's giving all the glory to God and not keeping any of it for yourself. 

Oh Lord, teach me to give you all the glory every day.