In a culture consumed with climbing ladders, building platforms, promoting brands, and seeking applause, the call to humility and service sounds almost radical—maybe even rebellious. Yet, this is the essence of Christ’s nature. As Apostolic women striving to live counter-culturally, there is no clearer path than the one Jesus walked: a life laid down in love, service, and quiet strength. But let’s be honest: this path opposes our human nature. That’s why we need Jesus to lead us, mold us, and help us walk faithfully.
The King of kings knelt to wash the feet of His disciples. The One who spoke the stars into existence stooped low to serve others. And as He did, He gave us a powerful example: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15).
This is the heartbeat of a counterculture: not loud rebellion, but humble obedience to the Word; not self-promotion, but self-sacrifice; not entitlement, but surrender; not me, but Him.
The Power of Humility
The world shouts, “Promote yourself. Stand out. Take what’s yours.” But Jesus calls, “Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Be a servant to all. Bear one another’s burdens.” That is a radically different message.
Humility is not a weakness—it’s strength under submission. It’s not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. And that, sisters, is something we have to be intentional about. It doesn’t come naturally. It requires us to resist the daily, subtle urge to be the center of every story. Instead, we must make space for others to be seen, heard, valued, and loved.
Jesus modeled this perfectly: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, . . . made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7).
To have a heart like His is to reject the “me first” mentality and embrace a life that declares: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
We Are All Called to Serve
Service is often quiet and unseen. It’s cleaning up what others overlook, showing up when no one else volunteers, and doing work that may never get recognized. Yet, every act of service—when done in love and with the right spirit—is precious to God. It brings glory to Him. He sees it. He cherishes it.
Our culture elevates status, platforms, likes, and followers. But Jesus celebrates servanthood. He calls us to live differently—to live counter culturally.
Jesus noticed the widow giving her last two coins and called it greatness. He praised the one who offered a simple cup of water in His name. He reminded us that the least among us is the greatest in His kingdom.
God has called us to carry this same heart into our churches, communities, and homes—not seeking titles or platforms, but seeking souls. And let us not forget that the atmosphere of our homes matters deeply. When done as unto the Lord, serving our families becomes a sacred act of worship.
Cultivating a Heart Like His
If we want to reflect His heart, we must be intentional.
- Start with prayer: “Make me more like You, Jesus.” We cultivate humility in the secret place. Let Him search your heart, shape your spirit, and redefine your identity through His Word.
- Embrace hiddenness. Be content to serve without applause. The world may overlook it, but God sees every act of love. His eyes are on the humble, and His rewards are eternal.
- Prioritize others. Ask yourself daily, Who can I bless today? A kind word, a helping hand, a text message, or a small gift are all acts of Kingdom living. When we lift others, we lift Jesus.
- Speak life! Guard your words. Choose encouragement over criticism. Celebrate others’ success without comparison or resentment. In our home, we live by the rule: Speak life. There’s no room for doubt or negativity. We don’t embrace the doctor’s report over God’s promises. We don’t dwell on problems—we declare faith. We lean into the encouraging Word of the Lord for every situation. Faith isn’t just a church word; it’s our family lifestyle.
- Say “yes” to inconvenience. Servanthood will often interrupt your plans. Be available. Be interruptible. God moves most powerfully in moments we didn’t schedule. His still, small voice always whispers—trying to break into our routine. When we make room for Him to inconvenience us, miracles happen.
We Find Fulfillment in Being Poured Out
The world tells us that fulfillment comes from achieving our dreams and putting ourselves first. But the truth? Self-seeking never satisfies. It’s a mirage. It leaves you thirstier than before. It leaves you empty.
But Jesus said: “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39).
We find joy that cannot be bought when we pour ourselves out for others. In the kingdom of God, the way up is down. The way to be filled is to be emptied. The way to be great is to serve.
We won’t find fulfillment in self-gratification but in being poured out for the One who gave everything for us.
Less of Me, More of Him
“Less of me, more of Him” isn’t just a pretty phrase; it’s a way of life. Being countercultural doesn’t mean being angry at the world; it means constantly pursuing Jesus. In a world obsessed with image, a woman with a servant’s heart becomes a powerful, prophetic voice.
May we be Apostolic women who daily pray: “Lord, give me a heart like Yours. A heart that bows low, gives freely, loves deeply, serves joyfully, and leads by example.”
May our lives reflect: “Not unto me, but unto You be all the glory.” And may others look at us and not say, “Wow, look at her,” but rather, “Look at Jesus.”
About the Author
TANYA HARROD is a wife and mother of two incredible children. She serves in ministry alongside her husband as the Global Missions regional director for Europe.
