This year has been a great one for “What’s Your Forte?”—the foundation we started in Chicago which offers mentorship and a chance for underprivileged youth to achieve higher education.

We had a great back to school night last Fall where we were able to give away book bags and a new pair of shoes to many kids who needed them. Foot Locker also donated many $100 gift cards to kids who couldn’t afford new shoes for the year ahead. The look on the face of each kid who received these gifts was priceless.

At Innovations High School we have been able to take the average youth and give them opportunities to better themselves, we’ve also given out a few college scholarships to those who display an array of leadership qualities, active involvement within their community, and good grades. But this year, as we get ready for The Innovations Gala, where I will hand out the scholarships, I’m having a hard time choosing which kid to award this to because there are so many great candidates!

It’s been so rewarding for me to be able to pour into these kids. The best part of it all is hearing from the kids—not just their parents—how much they appreciate and value these relationships.

Whether I’m involved in a school or church giveaway or I’m visiting kids and their families at children’s hospitals, I want to be an uplifting presence to these kids. Some of them know who I am and some don’t, but their faces always light up when they see someone has come to visit them. Some of these families are spending weeks, months, even years in these hospitals, and they need encouragement.

We are called to serve like Jesus did. Jesus, the King of Kings, had the ultimate attitude of servanthood. Just look at how He approached people:

He met the woman at the well, immediately seeing her for who she really was and yet He did not judge her, but wanted to meet her needs—giving her the living water she didn’t even know she needed. He showed the ultimate sign of humility when He stooped down and washed the feet of His disciples. And He often shared parables that spoke into how we can serve others, making our lives less about ourselves and more about others.

This is the vision I want my life to reflect as well. By serving others and caring for those who are in need around me, I am better able to understand for myself—and display to others—the love of Christ.

It’s important to me that my kids see me as a servant leader. When I was growing up, I imitated my dad—I did what he did and said what he said. It’s up to me to set a precedent for my own kids to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, and the best way to do that is to walk in His steps myself.

“The righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’

‘The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’” —Matthew 25:37-40

—Matt Forte

Matt Forte is a regular contributor of The Increase, providing monthly articles and opinions.

Check out Matt’s Increase profile here: http://theincrease.com/author/matt-forte/   

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