We should always look upon ourselves as God's servants, placed in

"We should always look upon ourselves as God’s servants, placed in God’s world, to do His work; and accordingly labour faithfully for Him; not with a design to grow rich and great, but to glorify God, and do all the good we possibly can." — These words of David Brainerd, a missionary whose life was marked by profound devotion and sacrifice, resonate deeply with the ancient call to live a life of service, humility, and purpose. Brainerd reminds us that our true place in this world is not as lords over it, but as servants — not striving for personal gain or worldly power, but living to fulfill God’s purpose. To be a servant is not to be subjugated, but to be aligned with the divine will, to dedicate our actions to something greater than ourselves.

The ancient teachings are filled with the wisdom of the servant, the humble heart that seeks to do the work of the Divine and to serve others without seeking personal glory. The Socratics, for example, taught that the highest life was one of virtue, of seeking the common good over personal wealth or fame. For Plato, the philosopher-king was not one who sought power for its own sake, but one who served the people with wisdom and humility. Aristotle, too, in his exploration of the good life, placed a high value on virtue and service to the community. In their minds, the truest form of greatness was not found in self-promotion, but in working for the greater good, in serving the divine order that underpins the universe.

Brainerd’s understanding echoes this ancient wisdom, but with a Christian focus that brings the work of serving God into the realm of eternal salvation. His life, though short and filled with personal suffering, stands as a powerful testimony to the truth that true greatness is not found in the pursuit of wealth or fame, but in the selfless and faithful labour for God’s glory. Brainerd dedicated his life to missionary work, and even in the midst of immense physical suffering and isolation, he remained committed to serving others in Christ’s name. His faithfulness in the face of hardship teaches us that the value of our work is not measured by what we gain, but by the good we do for others and the glory we give to God.

Consider the life of Mother Teresa, whose mission in Calcutta was built upon the same principles that Brainerd espoused. She sought no personal fame, no riches, no grand rewards. She simply laboured faithfully in the service of God and His people. Despite the overwhelming poverty, disease, and hardship that surrounded her, she never wavered from her mission of service. She dedicated her life to the sick, the dying, and the outcast, seeing each one as a reflection of God’s image. Like Brainerd, she understood that the work of God is not about personal gain, but about selfless love and devotion. In her humility and in her service, she glorified God in ways that words alone cannot express.

In our own lives, the lesson from Brainerd’s words is clear: we are not to labour for the sake of wealth or fame, but for the glory of God and the good of others. Our lives are meant to be offerings — not of our own greatness, but of our willingness to serve. This is not to say that we should abandon our personal goals, but rather that we should examine the intentions behind them. Are we working to serve and glorify God, or are we seeking to elevate ourselves above others? Brainerd calls us to align our labours with the divine will — to serve others with a pure heart, seeking nothing in return but the joy of knowing that we are fulfilling our true purpose.

The path of service is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to set aside our own desires for the sake of the greater good. But it is the path that leads to true peace and fulfillment. When we live our lives for God’s glory and serve others selflessly, we find a deeper joy — one that is not dependent on worldly success, but on the eternal purpose for which we were created. Brainerd’s life reminds us that true greatness is found in our willingness to serve, to love, and to labour for something greater than ourselves. When we live in this way, we align ourselves with the eternal, and our work becomes a part of the divine story that is being written across the generations.

Therefore, let us take Brainerd’s words to heart: work for God’s glory, and do all the good we can. Let us labour not for personal gain, but for the good of others and the honour of the Divine. In doing so, we will find that our lives have purpose, and that the good we do on earth will echo into eternity. Whether in small acts of kindness or in great deeds of service, let us remember that our true work is not what we accomplish for ourselves, but what we offer in faithfulness to God and to the world around us. In this, we will find true joy, and in this, we will glorify the One who called us to serve.