Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 10, 2015
And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:44-45
Selfless service does not come naturally—self serving does. I am learning how family life is a laboratory for unselfish service. How can I serve my family and others in this season of life? This best questions my accountability. My selfless service gives life to them and to me. I am able to serve others well when I am not a servant to my own vices. For example, we have a simple rule in our kitchen: whoever cooks doesn’t clean up and whoever doesn’t cook, cleans. Other-centered service is when my actions reflect death to my self-centered desires.
Jesus and His disciples lived in a servitude society of masters and slaves. Masters had the power and slaves served at their master’s command. Christ reversed this image of human indignity. As He sensed his followers’ unhealthy hunger for ambition, power and wealth—our Master Jesus said the greatest are the least. Humility and generosity in service to others is the new paradigm for people who seek God’s kingdom above any other competing kingdoms. Christ’s counterintuitive and countercultural words are radical. Out serving others gains God’s favor!
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight” (Isaiah 42:1).
How can we out serve others? We begin at home by looking for ways to make life better for those we know best. We keep mental notes of what uniquely motivates various family members. Decluttered space brings peace and fulfillment to some. If needed, we can plan a day to organize the garage, attic, closets, pantry or play room. Cleanliness may be next to godliness for others. If so, a deep cleaning of the kitchen, bathroom or cars will bring a smile to those who value sanitized environments. Take the lead to initiate service in what brings fulfillment to others.
Work is another convenient arena to place others ahead of our own goals and aspirations. How can we support a co-worker’s interests ahead of our own? So for instance, in a planning meeting we can listen more than we talk. We offer input when asked. We support the agenda by not high jacking the meeting to meet our expectations. Others feel valued when we value what they value. We come alive when we die to being in control. Pray how to out serve, not be served. Out serve with Jesus!
“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray I partner with Your Spirit to selflessly serve others.
Application: Who needs for me to quietly and sacrificially meet a need in their life? What process can I integrate into my lifestyle to facilitate service to others?
Related Readings: Numbers 12:7; Isaiah 20:3; Matthew 20:28; Luke 12:37, 22:27
Post/Tweet this today: We serve others well when we are not servants to our own vices. #outserve #wisdomhunters
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