Servanthood and Pride (Jude 1)

I have been meditating on Jude 1, and marveling that even though he was a half-brother of Jesus Christ, Jude simply states that he is: "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ."  No name dropping, no interview, no book deal, just a servant.  Jude is the model of one who abandoned any hint of pride.  You know pride don't you?

Pride is...

Believing or acting like you are better than someone else

Believing or acting like you know more than you really do

Believing or acting like you know something no one else does

Believing or acting like your flaws are non-existent

Believing or acting like other's flaws are enormous

Believing or acting like you have special rights

Believing or acting like you have a special relationship with God

Believing or acting like the rules don't apply you

Believing or acting like you have no fears or insecurities

Believing or acting like you got where you have without any help

Believing or acting like you are a gift to the world

Believing or acting like you don't need advice or guidance

Believing or acting like you always have the right answer

Believing or acting like others owe you something

Believing or acting like you own no one anything

All of that is swept away with one little phrase - "A servant of Jesus Christ."

All of that superstructure of self-importance is deconstructed by realizing His exclusive importance.

Jesus - the Son of God

Jesus - the Savior

Jesus - the perfect One

Jesus - the sinless One

Jesus - the forgiver of sins

Jesus - the forgiver of my sins

Jesus - the sacrifice for all sins

Jesus - the lamb of God

Jesus - the promised Messiah

Jesus - the firstborn from the dead

Jesus - the giver of life

Jesus - the resurrection and the life

Jesus - the provider of abundant life

Jesus - the Maker of everything

Jesus - the Judge of everything

Jesus - the purpose of everything

Jesus - the sustainer of everything

Jesus - your only hope

Jesus - my only hope

Jesus - the only hope

Jesus - the lover of your soul

Jesus - the One coming to take you to heaven

Jesus - the One who rescued you from hell

Jesus - the One who rescued you from yourself

Jesus - the One who delivered you from Satan

Jesus - the One who defeated the Devil

Jesus - the One preparing a place for you

Jesus - the Lord

Jesus - the King

Jesus - the Lord of Lords

Jesus - the King of Kings

Jesus - God

Jesus - my Lord and my love

Jesus - the one I am privileged to serve.

"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ."  May God give us that same servant focus and worshipful humility.