I want to live a life of service.
Wouldn’t it be rewarding to go through every day trying to see how many people we can serve, to spend our days not looking to be served ourselves, but seeking to meet the needs of others?
My husband is a great example of this quality. So often he puts fulfilling mine and our daughters’ desires ahead of his own. Just this weekend, when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, he helped me with several household chores.
In Galatians 5:13, the “brethren” are instructed to “by love, serve one another.” This command is followed by a reminder in verse 14 that “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Sometimes it’s easier to do service that is visible – perhaps at church or in the community. Yet for many of us, service begins at home. It’s packing lunch for our husband, cleaning up after our children, or doing the family’s laundry.
I can be encouraged as I serve if I do it as unto Christ. Whether my acts are large or small, even if they are seen by no one but God, my attitude should be to bring Him glory.
I feel like I fail so often, losing focus on others and wallowing in the pit of selfishness. However, I know that with the Holy Spirit’s help, I can follow in the footsteps of Christ and learn to be a servant.
Whom can I serve today?
Janet says
April 1, 2013 at 3:54 pm"I can be encouraged as I serve if I do it as unto Christ. Whether my acts are large or small, even if they are seen by no one but God, my attitude should be to bring Him glory." Yes, I love this! I've been studying Galatians 5:13-26 over the last week for my life group. So challenged in my efforts to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh, serving others in true humility. I read some wonderful commentary from Martin Luther that pointed how how our weakness in the flesh reminds us of our need for Christ which keeps us humble and focused on Him.
Wishing you a blessed week, my friend.
Tracey says
April 1, 2013 at 8:16 pmSo true – How often I forget how weak my flesh is and try to live and serve in the flesh. Sounds like a great study you're doing!
May your week be blessed as well!
Sues says
April 3, 2013 at 12:33 amI love this! I used to resent menial tasks around the home, and now with this perspective, I try to turn it to praise when I get the urge to whine. Serving my family is serving God!