Serve Like Christ

Growing up as a coach’s kid raised the question, “Is she playing simply because her dad is the coach?”

That question, lodged in my mind, led to many of my decisions on and off the field. I never wanted anyone to think I was piggybacking off my privileged position. My father, holding the same mindset, tended to be harder on me than on other players.

As a family, we decided it was more important for me to learn how to serve the team than expect it to serve us. This meant late nights cleaning up the field, giving rides to countless teammates, and going without so that others could have opportunities. As a teenager, it was hard to humble myself and serve others when, often, there wasn’t much service back. As an adult, I now see the benefit of learning to be a servant and being OK when treated like one.

The humility of Jesus is one of the most shocking character traits He possesses. Knowing He is God and allowing Himself to be treated like dirt baffles our brains. Most people thought that when the Messiah returned, He would come as a king with riches, power and wealth. No one expected to find the Savior of the world born in a stable, a simple man with 12 followers traveling humbly from town to town, sharing the Good News.

If we are called to live a life modeled after Christ, humility and servanthood are critical traits we must learn. If God can lower Himself, we have no right to live like kings.