Serving is hard. I'm not saying that I don't enjoy helping other people, but putting others' needs above my own is hard. I think we'd all like to say that we are servants by nature, however our true human nature is to look out for #1. In some cases, people think they are serving b/c they do whatever is asked of them. Some times that ends up being situations where the person is being "walked on" or in an abusive relationship, which isn't servant hood at all! That's not what I'm talking about today. I'm talking about pure servanthood. The way Christ served. He knew godly boundaries and when to say "no", but he also knew His purpose and to serve people. Especially, people that were undeserving.
Servanthood is a sacrificial way of building relationships with others and your relationship with the Lord. While you start out doing something kind for another person, God has a way of blessing you through the service. The joy in serving is indescribable.
Service can be many things. It can be setting up chairs at church or leading a bible study. It can be helping someone at work with a heavy load of paper work. Being a part of a friends wedding and helping him or her have the best day ever! Showing up early on a Saturday morning to a child's sporting event. Unloading the dishwasher without complaining. Babysitting for free while a couple has a much needed date-night. Doing laundry. Sewing dresses or little girls in Africa.
Serving is anything that gives up your wants, desires, time, efforts for another person regardless of the circumstances.
The flip-side of serving is allowing others to serve you. This is hard for most of us. When I was single, I learned a valuable lesson. I loved serving! At church in ministry, taking meals to people, running errands for people, leading college girls in bible study, helping college students move from one apartment to another, etc. However, I had a HARD time letting people do things for me. I was capable and didn't need anything. Our college pastor, at the time, reminded me of how much I love serving. And, if I love it so much why would I hinder someone else from getting to serve me. It doesn't matter if I am capable or strong or can do something on my own. I was taking away from their ministry to serve. Its something I have to remind myself when friends want to make us dinner for no reason or watch our dogs for us. I've learned to ask for help when I need it b/c there are so many people that are willing and anxious to serve.
Who are you serving? Church? Women's ministry? Your kids? The elderly in your church?
Who are you forgetting to serve? Or having a bad attitude about serving? Your spouse? Your aging parents? Your neighbors? You co-workers?
Who is serving you? Have you thanked them today?
Reach out to others. Look for ways you can be there for people. Not just in serious times of need, but just to be like Christ. Just to simply serve another.
***click here for all 31 days of relationships posts***
Servanthood is a sacrificial way of building relationships with others and your relationship with the Lord. While you start out doing something kind for another person, God has a way of blessing you through the service. The joy in serving is indescribable.
Service can be many things. It can be setting up chairs at church or leading a bible study. It can be helping someone at work with a heavy load of paper work. Being a part of a friends wedding and helping him or her have the best day ever! Showing up early on a Saturday morning to a child's sporting event. Unloading the dishwasher without complaining. Babysitting for free while a couple has a much needed date-night. Doing laundry. Sewing dresses or little girls in Africa.
Serving is anything that gives up your wants, desires, time, efforts for another person regardless of the circumstances.
The flip-side of serving is allowing others to serve you. This is hard for most of us. When I was single, I learned a valuable lesson. I loved serving! At church in ministry, taking meals to people, running errands for people, leading college girls in bible study, helping college students move from one apartment to another, etc. However, I had a HARD time letting people do things for me. I was capable and didn't need anything. Our college pastor, at the time, reminded me of how much I love serving. And, if I love it so much why would I hinder someone else from getting to serve me. It doesn't matter if I am capable or strong or can do something on my own. I was taking away from their ministry to serve. Its something I have to remind myself when friends want to make us dinner for no reason or watch our dogs for us. I've learned to ask for help when I need it b/c there are so many people that are willing and anxious to serve.
Who are you serving? Church? Women's ministry? Your kids? The elderly in your church?
Who are you forgetting to serve? Or having a bad attitude about serving? Your spouse? Your aging parents? Your neighbors? You co-workers?
Who is serving you? Have you thanked them today?
Reach out to others. Look for ways you can be there for people. Not just in serious times of need, but just to be like Christ. Just to simply serve another.
***click here for all 31 days of relationships posts***
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