But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23: 11-12)

If there is a position in the church where the worker will have to toil hard and get no thanks for it, take it and be pleased with it.

If you can perform a service that few will ever seek to do themselves, or appreciate when performed by others, occupy it with holy delight.

Cover humble work, and when you get it be content to continue in it. There is no great rush after the lowest places; you will rob no one by seeking them.

The first place we must have an election for and poll the community, but for the very lowest there is no great ambition; therefore, select such a place, and while you will escape envy, you will also gain a quiet conscience.

If we were Christ’s more thoroughly, we should cheerfully and voluntarily push ourselves into the places of self-sacrifice, counting it our chief honor to serve God and the church in ways that are obscure and despised, because in so doing we shall be saved from the pharisaic spirit that desires the praise of man. ((Charles Spurgeon, At the Master’s Feet [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], June 9.))

Charles Spurgeon

Further reading

• INTERVIEW WITH BRITTANY KOPER, GRANDDAUGHTER OF TBN’S PAUL AND JAN CROUCH
• ED YOUNG, JR WITH ELEPHANT ROOM 2′S T.D. JAKES ON TBN’S PRAISE THE LORD
• THE DEMONIC VISION OF BETH MOORE